Adding Technology to the Mix
I've actually started letting my students use their smartphones to look up pertinent information in class. For instance, if someone asks a question I do not know, I ask them to pull out their phone, research it, and tell the rest of the class about it. It engages them, and the rest of the class, and allows them to use something they are comfortable with.
I am using iphones as well My students use the piano keyboard on the phone and google some questions on it.
Sandra,
this is a great idea, especially if you are in a field that utilizes a lot of current technology.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To keep my lesson more current I always attempt to have students use some form of technology within my lessons. I feel this keeps the students more engaged in the learning.
Since I teach math, I allow smart phones for the calculator. However, I have to cautions students that "garbage in is garbage out" so they need to understand how to do the problem before they use the calculator.
Another issue I have discovered with the use of the smartphone is that students tend to use them often to play games or visit sites not relating to the toplic of the discussion. This creates unwanted distractions.
Bob ,
I definitely understand your caution and there are times when the smart phones can be used as a helpful tool.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Smart phones are a bad idea, they go to places on there phone that they shouldn't. To much info that is wrong.
We always "Google' some facts. Make the class more involved.
I allow my students to use their phones to look up part numbers in the lab to fill out their work orders in which they get graded on, however, there is always a fine line between the positive use of a phone and the distraction it sometimes causes.
I am a technology instructor but found that the smart phone to be too much of a distraction for today students. They will be texting in the middle of me lecturing. The other is since they are right in front of the computer they will play online games or on Facebook chatting or on YouTube watching a game. When I see too much of it I disconnect them from the internet. But going through module made me think perhaps how to present the material as a game to them. Lecture are 60 mins before they are given a break. But after this material I am thinking about giving them a break at 20 mins of lecture and do a short game or a physical exercise. As for the phone some how figure out how to use it in the game. Perhaps they have too text their answers to questions.
Joseph,
this is so true & while there are always certain "facts" we need to know, it's much more important to know how to access or know how to learn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Courtney, this is a great use of technology. The learning paradigm has changed over the last few decades moving away from rote memory of facts to knowing where to go to access the information.
Jessica,
yes, I've only recently been introduced to this technology & many instructors I know are using it to engage the classes in good discussion.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I love technology in the classroom. I believe many students fear technology because we do not use it the way the are used to using it. I really like poll everywhere. You can use this to review for a test or play a game about the material. Students use their phones to text their responses.you can watch the poll grow as the students vote on the answer.
Algevis,
I think this is a good arrangement as it allows you to control the use of technology but shows that you are open to it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I usually do not allow the use of phones during class. But when the students want to look up something, they ask me before doing so.
Jenny,
it is challenging, but important that they learn to avoid distractions, especially in the work environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is my policy in class to disallow phone usage. Of course, students resist this policy. It is most challenging for our students to disconnect from technology today.
I think I will implement this idea. It should create humor at the very least.
Mike,
this is a great point & these exercises help the students learn as well as demonstrates what new "tools" are out there.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
