I think as we move forward in the educational deliver systems we need to stay abreast of advances in technology and it's use in instruction. We use the powerpoint the whiteboard and now beginning to find ways to incorporate the use of IPAD. This new but we seek ways to enhance the use in instruction in the classroom.
alan,
This is an excellent best practice. This ensures that the student will use the proper, academic forms of research when they are developing their projects. By making this a part of the grading criteria, students may ultimately improve their information literacy skills and learn to be more apprehensive, in regards to selective sources.
Tremayne Simpson
Since my field is changing all the time and require that we keep up with those changes. Use of current publications are a neccessary to keep up date. It also requires a great deal of case studies which I believe is one of the best ways of teaching. As long as you do it appropriately it will help to keep it close to the actual working experience.
By giving assignments that forces them to use outside sources. For example, one of my courses is Intro to Advertising. A project I hand out has students researching current events in the advertising field. To gather information they need to read the major periodicals and magazines and visit web sites that are relevant to advertising.
Richele,
Yes but the intimidation can be mutual, because the older students tend to share vast experiences (that younger students may not have experienced), during examples during lecture. I think ultimately the two groups learn from each other and it can make the learning environment interesting.
Tremayne Simpson
thanks good suggestion, sometimes though the older students are intimidated by the younger ones their tech knowledge suprizes me !
Richele,
In my experience, I have found that it is effective to group the "younger" and "older" students together, during collaborative activities, that require the use of technology. Sometimes they overcome their "fear" of technology, when they are working with other students that are comfortable with it.
Tremayne Simpson
I find the younger the students the more they are engaged and saavy about the use of technology, however the older students ( we have a good number of older students, changing careers, returning to work, laid off workers looking to gain skills and work the older students are often "afraid" of technology at first , as the last time they were in school computers we not in use in the classroom. I find technology invaluable in the classroom. the instructor disc's and informational material powerpoints and testbanks are a great tool.
For my lab skills class I utilize an on-line class for parasitology. This is a required assignment and they must complete the class and obtain a certificate of completion. The on-line course requires about 5 hours of the students time. This assignment is due the same day they take a quiz on parasitology. The on-line class emphasizes the lecture material presented in class and the lab skills performed in the lab.
The course is taught through a web-site that offers continuing education for veterinary technicians. Requiring the students take this on-line course, contributes to their learnings in parasitology and also introduces them to a source for continuing education once they become certified.
When I have a tool or part that is special or unique,I like to demostrate how it works or where it goes on a paticular machine.
Ricardo,
This is a diverse set of instructional methods. Making the instruction "mult-faceted" is a good way to keep the students' attention and to improve retention of information. Also, giving them the opportunity to apply learned concepts, is an effective way to assess their overall comprehension of the topic.
Tremayne Simpson
Since the subject I instruct is mainly a hands on and practical subject I try to allow my students as much hands on time as possible. I always introduce each class or project using a power point,(my preferred method, being short and concise so the students do not get bored, but get a clear outline of what we will be doing ).
I also use a short video showing interesting facts and information about the upcoming project and then my most helpful tool is a hands on demonstration in front of them, giving them a close view and chance to ask questions.
Once I have shown the students the technique and given them an idea of what they need to create, I encourage them to also explore their own ideas, using the computer as a tool to expand on the ideas.
amy,
The "comfort" generally begins with the instructor of the course. Some instructors may be reluctant to implement new technology, due to the fear of improperly using it the classroom. In-services and product knowledge sessions are important for instructors that are contemplating the use of a new technological tool or resource.
Tremayne Simpson
joel,
I agree. At my institution we have implemented several resources (such as "eMarketer") to adhere to the social media needs of our students.
Tremayne Simpson
Jeanne,
I agree. Since it has become an expectation from students, it is important that instructors find more ways to properly embed technology, within their lessons. Technology implementation is an important factor in developing future lesson plans.
Tremayne Simpson
In today's world technology is very important. I teach in a field where it is changing every day. By incorporating new technologies into the lesson it makes the student more comfortable performing skills in their field. I like to have companies come in and give inservices on their products.
It is extremely important to address current trends. Social media is integrated in all of my marketing, adv and business classes
Students have become so familiar with the technology world that it seems unimaginable to teach without these resources.
I have used both alumni as well as guest speakers in the various areas of interest.
Sue,
Funding is always a tough topic to avoid, when it comes to supplemental innovations for the classroom. It is best to research resources that are "free", but can be used to enhance instruction. Some of these "tools" can be provided by publishing companies, especially if your institution is using their textbooks.
Tremayne Simpson
