Technology changing teaching and learning.
I wonder if the process of "thinking" and "learning" is changed by bringing technology into the classroom. In some ways, I can see the positive aspects of more current and available information as well as another way of effectively delivering instruction to a student.
Something is missing. Maybe it is just the balance of learning leans too heavily toward the technical side. I am having a difficult time putting my finger on it but what about the interrelating skills and team activities in learning that went on before computers. Being an older teacher, I am able to view the change. Am I thinking the wrong way if I am wondering not only am I teaching skills and knowledge but also conveying an attitude toward learning when I teach?
Hi Jeanne,
Great example of how your field has changed dramatically over a short period of time thanks to technology. The key is as you mentioned keeping up with and becoming comfortable with the software. The advantages to the patient are great as you explained so making sure each student is comfortable with the software is a must for the safety and welfare of the patient. By keeping your great attitude I know you are going to keep up with all of the changes that are coming your way.
Gary
I teach Medical Assisting. As a Certified Medical Assistant, I worked with paper charts, but had some patient info on my computer. But whenever a patient had visited the ER across the street, I had to call and request that their test, labs, and imaging be faxed to us. Then I had to go to Medical Records at the other end of the building and wait for the fax to arrive. Lab reports were faxed to us every morning, and I had to go find the charts, which were often not where they were expected to be, attach the labs, and pile them on my Dr's desk, then call patients with their results the next day after my Dr had written instructions on each chart. Patients who needed drug refills had to call their pharmacy. The pharmacy faxed us a request for the refill. I would find the chart, attach the refill request, and pile it on my Dr's desk. When I got the chart back, I would fax it back to the pharmacy. Often, patients would wait until they ran out of a neccessary med before they asked for a refill, and they wound up missing a couple of days before their prescription was available. Now, with the new medical software, Medical Assistants can have access to any patient's chart instantly and see tests, labs, imaging, prescription info, immunizations, allergies, insurance info, and so much more. This technology is improving the speed and accuracy with which we can treat our patients. So from my viewpoint, the new technology is very necessary for my students to master. It's just a matter of getting over my own discomfort with all things technical. -Jeanne
Thank you for your input. Perhaps what I am noticing is that technology is so dominant in the teaching/learning process these days. Not all bad but also a reflection of our fast and furious lifestyles enabled by technology. Maybe what I am noticing is the lack of balance. Technology should serve the teacher and student, not the other way around. Am I offbase to say that learning is an organic process?
As a Director of Career Services I am often hearing from employers and hiring managers that today's graduates are lacking in their interpersonal skills.
Personally I do feel technology is partially to blame for this. I've driven kids - both secondary students and collegiate - to events and they will be sitting right next to someone and will text them something rather then speak to them. I often think it is because they don't want me to hear it, but really?? or are their verbal communications skills weak????
I do work with our online students and see many, many advantages that technology can bring to education, but those interactive social skills are not something that it does well with, that's for sure.
Just my two cents on it.
