Dr. Ruth Reynard

Thomas, Great idea! Yes, texting is immediate and correct and, therefore, saves a lot of time! Dr. Ruth Reynard

Thomas, Very true...there are numerous online resources available as well as the other benefits of Internet use in instruction. The capabilities of the technology enhance the interactivity and customization of the learning environment. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Nichoe, Yes, there are several of those sites which you can "Google" and they have taken the place of the clicker technology we have seen for a while - the only challenge is that EACH student must have a phone in order to text the responses. For some of our schools, this is still an issue as many students still do not hvae individual phones. You can still purchase clickers, however, so that every student can participate. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Nichoe, Yes, the changes are vital...do you think this is a challenge for more conventional instructors? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, Do you see students developing skills not even expected through the use of the technology? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Jolly, Have you used these tools dorectlywith students? How have they supported the collaboration of students and what kind of projects work best? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, Very well said! I agree and most often teachers teach as they were taught rather than to suit the needs of the students. Also, teachers mistakenly believe that they should know everything rather than facilitate the learning process of their students. This makes things very static. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, Yes, there is a difference between information and knowledge - thinking through issues and ideas is central to effective learning. What kinds of assessments have you used that really demonstrate what a student knows rather than simply remembering information...? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, Great points! Also, gone are clickers :) Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, I agree...this is true for graduate students as well. There are many sources cited in papers that have been found on the Internet but are not recognized as legitimate research in a specific field. Instructors must still teach those skills. Dr. Ruth Reynard