Instead of handing out papers for homework and labs the same info is done on computers and laptops. The data is safe and saved and can be read by anyone with access to the info.
Kerry,
How exactly do you see this happening with yoru students? Could you provide more specifics on this?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It put's information at their fingertips and gives them the ability to add to what they have learned in the class room
True, Robert. We cannot go back. As more seasoned generation members, with our astute imagination capabilities ahem we are going to be able to envision what is needed to spur on that incentive to grasp the course content. We as educators are going to be good at creativity; how will be teach creativity to our learners if they can have bells and whistles at the touch of a finger? I always think about this a lot. What I came up with is this: LISTEN to them. Listen without prejudice about the good ol days and hear what drives their curiosity . . . then blend it into the learning process. If I hear a student speaking about their love of, let's say, horseback riding, then I will try to use analogies of horses to the content. I teach organizational business: a student loves horses; I would say to Robert, "So if you were a horse trainer, would you use the autocratic leadership style for training your horse." Robert would probably say, no, that style would only frighten the animal. Using whips and spurs and shouting just intimidates -- does not motivate. Robert says he would use the "empowering" leadership style -- asking, training, reinforcing, re-training if needed, praising, and teaching self efficacy (instilling confidence that the horse and rider can perform together productively). whew. did that all makes sense?
I hear you on this note, William. I remember the card files in the library. Not only the research aspect is important to the whole function of learning, it is the critical thinking aspect and logic to discover where to find your answer. That is a long string of a statement: put more simply, I stress "using a logical path of thinking" to find your answers. Students are learning this using the web research -- it's almost like the card files but a whole lot faster.
We as educators are tasked with helping the learner discover their thinking skills - they have to develop these before they can click the right keys to find their answers. I find this in the classroom; some students have not yet discovered their "reasoned thinking" skills yet.
Comments?
James,
Yes, so the learning facilitation by instructors must focus on what is actually more important: educating students around finding legitimate information and ways in which that information can be used in knowledge building and direct application to real world contexts. When instructors are concerned only with providing information they are diminishing their potential as facilitators of the learning process.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Technology has influenced input in positive and negative ways. Learners can now access websites/videos/blogs/etc and any given moment and provide feedback. However, given the fact that on some sites anyone can provide "facts" it can also lead to misinformation. So not only is it vital for you to include technology in your courses but you also must advise learners on checking sources and looking more thoroughly. In the end technology is invaluable because not only can you access text and information but pictures, videos, interactive models, etc. So you can address multiple learning styles through the same medium.
Tammy,
Great! Yes, cell phones are often the center of all communication and exchange for our students currently, so integrating this technology into your teaching is wonderful!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I have found that the more I integrate technology into the classroom, the more engaged my students are. I have them download apps for their cell phones that they can use as study tools in Med Term and they love it!
James,
Great to have you join the team! :) Teaching is best learned " on the job". I would, however encourage you to think through the learning objectives and outcomes so that you can plan lessons and activities and assessment to support these. As a new teacher, I would also encourage you to think innovatively regarding integrating new technology in both course delivery and mediation the actual instruction ( eg communication tools, networking tools, group work tools, discussion tools, and presentation tools).I hope these comments help...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I havent been teaching very long. I just came to this occupation from the field. As well as teaching the course I have on line traning and some field training that is manditory for my position. I also have ASE testing for certifications.
James,
How to you stay "ahead of the curve" and current? How do you encourage students to progress with their technology learning and use?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Technology is always chainging and evolving. In the field that I teach, it's all about technology and the mechanical engine. The students have to be able to use todays technology in order to be a successful technition. It's all about diagnosing computer problems now.
Adam,
Can you explain this further? I'm not sure what you mean here...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
You can have a video of how things work without having to take them apart.
Hank,
How have you changed you teaching style in regards to using new technology ...?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
In this electronic age the students are using technology all the time laptops cell phones you name it for instant education,by use of the web. now it is our job to reconfigure our teaching styles to include the methods we have in order to use this new technology.
Eric,
Good explanation of the changes...the face to face time can be much more productive in a blended course as students can address their individual learning asynchronously.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It used to be that the hands on training aids were what got used the most. Students would show up, we would discuss a subject and pass around a few components to help with the understanding. Now with all the information at our fingertips there is less of that. We can now give the students access to multiple forms of information and they can utilize whichever one suits them better. Having that better understanding makes the class time and face to face instructor time more valuable. It opens up more relevant questions and explanations rather than just lecturing.
Kenny,
Agreed - then the challenge for the instructor is to provide a flexibile enough instructional design that this growing knowledge base can be integrated into the learning process - and valued in the grade.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
