Renee Shaffer

Location: south carolina

About me

I am a career educator (27+ years) in higher education at the university and career college level. I love helping colleagues put the pieces together to learn how to be the best instructor/educator possible.

Activity

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinking Assignment

Amy, We instructors often strive to make all subjects relevant and sometimes that is harder than others. Just keep up the good work! Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Online Technologies

Amy, Unfortunately, technology is not perfect. It is always good to have a plan "B" in place just in case the tech doesn't work. Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Changes in Higher Education

Amy, I totally understand where you are coming from in respect to whether or not you get to teach more classes. This is certainly unfortunate. Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Section 508

wyshondia, Very good ideas. Many times you will have students who would qualify for disability services but don't know about it. Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Accessible Software

Charlene, Dragon is seen as an universal design tool which means that it is useful for all people! It is a great tool. Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Course Accessibility

Charlene, You are doing a great service by being proactive with the students. Letting them know that you are available is refreshing! Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Blog

Laptops and typing lowers students grades?

You might have already seen this but it is a particularly good article on how the use of laptops may be hurting students abilities to learn as compared to writing.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/back-to-school/laptops-in-class-lowers-students-grades-canadian-study/article13759430/

This article/study also looks at the subject. Better learning through handwriting So what is happening to our students who aren't taking written notes?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119095458.htm

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Fun Critical Thinking Assignments

Jay, Oh, I love those examples. Many students haven't ever been asked to critically think and don't know what it entails. Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Active Learning Technologies

Jay, No, instructors should be able to use whatever technology tools they wish. With the thousands out there, there should be one that works well with the instructor and their needs. Renee Shaffer

Renee Shaffer

Discussion Comment

Institutional Issues

Jay, There are so many factors, but one of the pressing ones is the cost of developing, making, etc. an in-house LMS or purchasing one like Blackboard. Institutions will make different choices there. If they purchase one, all of the "bells and whistles" that the institition needs might not be there, but it can be a terrific option. Renee Shaffer

End of Content