Genereation Y & Technology
I found the course information very interesting and useful. The challenge for the instructor is finding the correct balance between content and technology. I agree that technology can be incorpotated into the classroom so that it enhances the subject matter as long as it is not presented as a substitue for using the on-ground library.
Both of the "for profit" colleges I work at have a physical library and a full-time librarian, but they are DESERTED except for the banks of computers. Those are constantly in use. NOBODY looks at books or magazines anymore. Get used to it.
Instructor interaction should never be substituted for technology.
Too many Gen Y instructors rely on technology and personal relationshipd with their students suffer
Bobbet,
yes & this is a good point to remember as we seek to incorporate the technology (if appropriate) into our classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
While technology is useful it cannot replace content but can be used to enhance content. It is also a useful tool for experiential learning.
Our Library has already been eliminated in favor of a "Cybrary". Books are accessible on-line for everyone. We no longer have a physical library, which can be a hard adjustment for "Boomer" teachers like me, but it also indicates the need to become familiar and incorporate technology into the classroom.
Fred,
yes, technology should never be used as a substitute, but as another tool in the overall large tool box.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that finding the balance is key... for some instructors, using a digital library would be fine, for others, it would not be. I think it is important to also, take into account my comfort level, along with each of my classes comfort levels... it's definitely not a one size fits all!
