I feel it would be like most things we deal with on a daily basis, when implemented properly it could probably touch on the learning styles better
Yes, indeed, Clive. Can you give us some examples of how this happens? Perhaps some ways in which you have seen success in using instructional technology with your classes.
use of technology in education can be very beneficial and facilitate explorative learning.
Great questions, Steven, which is why the use of new technology supports the learning process, however, the learning still needs to be demonstrated and applied. This should be designed into the overall instruction and assessments. The demonstration can also be supported by technology but it must be driven by learning outcomes and the design of the instruction itself.
I agree. Just because it's electronic and fun to have and use, learners should confuse interactivity with retention of the basics of the subject matter. At what time does the level of learning get skewed through the misuse or overuse of emerging technology. Depending on how the student was raised, their high tech word may have involved a basic cell phone at best.
You raise some important points, Jon. Yes, teaching and learning is a process with or without technology. Some of the kinds of situations you mention (and we know from experience) that when the learning environment is depending on anything it can be a challenge. I do think, however, that technology can now help us as instructors achieve some of the longer term kinds of skill development that have always been a challenge to instructors. Finding the most effective uses is key.
To be honest technology aside, learning requires a commitment from both instructors and students. If a course is structured properly, with a correct learning progression, good resources and with involved and motivated students you will have success regardless of the technology. The technology is just a another facilitator or the information. The proper legwork must be done first in order to have success.
I've had just as much success with the technology as without.
What happens when you have a technical issue and you are too reliant on the technology?
I can remember days when I had to generate hard copy when a projector or the internet goes down.
Yes, Donna, the interactive white board can engage more students throughout their learning process. It is a great use of the technology to capture and distribute and then recall what was captured to work through more ideas and concepts. It keeps the learning as a dynamic process, rather than static and closed.
Concept-mapping is a great use of the interactive white board, Warren. Thank you for sharing that idea. The flexibility of this technology and its "distributive" characteristics mean that ideas and concepts can be deconstructed and then reconstructed collaboratively with students.
I have had great success by using the whiteboard to expound on a concept. It helps turn written text into visual ideas that can break down a complicated idea into smaller parts and pieces for greater depth of understanding on the part of the student
The white board can be used to project resources that have been prepared before a class or it can be used to capture thoughts and ideas generated during class. It a great way to capture material for review at a later date or to make the material available to anyone who might not be present for the class period.
How have you used the interactive white board specifically in your classes, Tearee?
How can the use of an interactive white board heighten interaction with students?
The use of interactive white boards creates a student-centered learning environment rather than a student sitting passively listening to a lecture. The student is actively participating in the learning process.
In what ways, David, is it effective? Have you had success in your own classes? What strategies for instructional use did you find the most successful?
It may be the "flash" or maybe a different style of presentation but using the white board interactively is very effective in delivering a message that most students will retain.
Quite true, Scott. When you are using the board what strategies do you use to ensure interaction rather than passivity in your students?
I agree that the white board gives the visual aspect and sometimes creates interaction. When students participate in the learning, they often convey information their own way. It gives students the opportunity to become involved in the lecture part of class instead of just sitting in the room listening.
I can't draw very well, but when I do the class laughs at my pics and understand what I am doing and explaining.
So, Guy, you can use your creativity in presentation and use of the board. How do you think the board use helps to involve more students and also integrate the group's work efficiently?
WE are required to use our boards. I use colors and make it a little more that just the info for the day. It also can give a "non-verbal" communication to the calss so first it answers questions before it even becomes and issue or problem. They also allow me to express some artistic creativity that I intertwine with my lectures.
