Anton,
Yes, very true...there is often a tension between IT systems and instructional technology - the former is predictable and stable (mostly) and the latter is quite dynamic...IT folks don't like the latter :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I believe it would have a very useful place if the educational facilities IT department would properly set up for this type of format. As it stands, I teach via a blended learning program, but unfortunately with great distress at times due to our IT issues.
With a properly functioning system we have had great success with the ability to use web cams in the labs and display the info in the classroom as a for instance. In the end, if we can stay up with the technology, I believe it will enhance many aspects of a students educational experience.
Students are connected constantly. With the Internet have access to more content in seconds then we can provide them in a whole semester. I try to teach them to manage that content and recognize what is viable information and what is nonsense. There are so many online tools to help them input that content. I currently use Moodle to manage my courses. I have started using online quizzes, forums, and links for uploading assignments. I am hoping to start adding some wikis and other tools later.
New technology allows greater flexibility and options for student input. It can allow students more time to think before responding and improve the quality of their responses. It also allows the instructor to easily capture the students' inputs into the learning.
I believe today's student not only has instant access to information, but a variety of that information- in articles, audio, video, blogs, etc. What it has changed though from my perspective as an instructor is that since it is so easy to access these days, less and less effort seems to be put into the research side. Often they do not go beyond what pops up first on google. My school has a pretty interesting online library (that even spells out the APA/MLA citation for them to copy into their papers)- it is so easy to use, yet they still go to wikipedia or ask.com. I have actually made it a requirement NOT to use these sites as I do not find they are always credible or accurate.
Krista,
Good points! Do you ave any specific examples with your students?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
New Technology changes content input because students have greater access to information, ease of entering and submitting information, and a variety of ways to give and receive input. Considering the many different learning styles and personalities of the students in a class, this broadens the ability for everyone to feel comfortable learning and participating, thus increasing and enhancing the learning experience.
Peter,
Yes, the immediacy of the technology is a central characteristic - the potential for multimedia resources is also a wonderful benefit for all students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The technology that is available at the students fingertips allows for instant gratification of having a question answred. Another way to think about it isthat a student can go online and find any number of animations,tutorials or images to reinforce any questions they might have about virtually any subject matter.
Technology is always changing and evolving. In the field that I come from and now teach about, The students have to be able to use todays technology in order to be a successful technician. It's all about diagnosing computer problems and being able to understand what your reading. So as teachers we have to find different ways to teach are students.
Jaime,
Can you provide any specific examples you have experienced with your students?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It has changed it in many ways making it more interactive and more attractive for students.
I agree. Today's technology far outreaches anything we had in school. I feel that if we could channel the information to be used wisely in the teaching enviroment it would keep the students more interested in what was happening in class. We just need to guide them as to what is accurate information, so as not to let them be misled.
New technology changes content input in many ways. I think the biggest change is in means and speed at which our students process information. This also includes the channels/outlets (mobile, social media, internet, wiki's, blogs etc) our students plug into to retrieve, process,encode and communicate information.
abdalla,
Great examples! Please share more in the instructional forum in the faculty lounge on this site - these practical examples are very helpful to other teachers :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
As Math Teacher thechnology makes it easier to teach Math the Question is How:
1) The Instructor can creat a video about any topic and that allow the students to see it as many times as they wish until they understand.
2)The instructor can upload or send an e-mail to every student explain or give a hint to problem that a lot of students find it difficult to solve.
3)The instructor can refer the students to see a video in youtube in different languages,
and Many others.
Carl,
Thank you :) yes, my research emerges from an integration of learning theory, theories of interaction and language learning...new technology has the potential of providing this potential for engagement and application for learners - I would love if you would continue this discussion in my instructional exchange forum in the faculty lounge - great discussion!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Dr. Reynard, I was struck by what you wrote on MMCs and Changes in information processing. You wrote that MMCs have no real start and no end. This open-endedness, you wrote, leaves the possibility for further contribution. Then you listed 3 main characteristics of MMCs:
Multiple Input Connections
Open-ended Output
Customized Space of Interaction.
I know you have done research. I do not know if you picked this out of your approach to research. But this scheme matches research in the sciences to a "T." This is true if we consider the connections as contributions from individual scientists at separate laboratories, or as members of a certain research group contributing to a primary topic or goal.
I designed our course in Religion and Science (a senior seminar) along these lines. And it works wonderfully. The students stay interested in one another's topic and in progress of the course generally. They have some difficulty realizing that we do not begin with definitions, but do accept working definitions that are subject to change.
I was not amazed that you outlined this approach. But I am curious whether you are aware that this is why science works so well. I am ready to accept that you have a scientific background.
Peter,
Yes and the reusing of digital resources is a great efficiency of the technology.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The new technology provides constant connection with classmates and instructors to students who can afford the new technology (computers, smart phones,etc) and Internet Access. Students relying on libraries and other places with set hours are somewhat limited in their abilities to take advantage of the new technology.
