My old School Approach with a new Twist
The way the world works today one has to be informed and savy about the techno age. I do use the modern methods, but I give my students alot of personal experiences and group discussions to teach my classes. I find that my students are so involved with their tech life that they appreciate the more personal touch. I certainly get more of their attention and thus greater retension of the material.
Absolutely! I have been accused of giving too many experiences, but the fact is that I am a professional operator before I am a professional educator - Life experience is what I have to offer and impart on students.
Cynthia,
this is a good point to make & if we are trying to encourage them to strengthen their interpersonal skills then we should help them develop them further.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I do not text my students. I require them to
call me. What I have seen over the past 10 years (I have been teaching for 40 years in total)
in teaching Radiography is that students have lost
the ability to communicate with others. I have had students who can barely comummunicate with me, let alone communicate with the patients. The medical world revolves around new technology, but communication is one of the most critical components in taking care of a person who is ill or injured.
Tammy,
this is so true & I've found that many of my students enjoy the breaks from the technology & like me to just talk to them & not worry so much about the bells & whistles all the time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I don't mind using the technology but sometimes it does become too distracting for you and your students. I sometimes like to just tone it down to where we're back to basics. Everyone enjoys the break from technology and can just relax for a session.
I too have found that using the whiteboard instead of powerpoint, and paper tests instead of online quizzes, is actually a relief to them. They're tired of endless powerpoint lectures and endless online quizzes. Not to mention I put them together in pairs and small groups and let them actually talk with each other. They love it. Very few try to check their phones in the middle of a pair- or small-group-exercise, and I'm very firm with the few who do and tell them it's rude to check your phone when you're talking to someone in person. It's like they never thought of that.
Michelle,
this is a great example of where you need to honor the wishes of your supervisors, but can also accommodate the students need/desire for quick responses.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I was instructed by my supervisors not to give out me personal phone number. However, having email access on my phone helps in responding quickly to student's questions.
I also believe it is important to keep up on pop culture in order to relate to this generation. My classes usually get a kick out of it and pay attention when I mention celeberties or catch phrases from their generation. I have teenagers at home which is a big help.
I feel texting is too personal as well. With modern technology we have constant access to email on our phones (for most students). Sending and receiving emails is just as quick and removes the need to give out your cell phone number.
I do not text with my students - it's a personal preference. However, our online grading program had e-mail capabilities, and since students are constantly checking their grades (to keep in line with their need for constant and instant feedback), I usually can keep regular contact with students when needed.
I no longer text with students. I found that many refused to use the "business only" concept. I have since replaced it with emails. I inform the class I will only read and respond during business hours. This process works better and is much less disruptive during my evenings and weekends.
My students text me when they are going to absent from class. They seem to like the personal contact
I also use the personal experience approach to
relate relevant information.
J. E. Wright
I am often hesitant to give students my cell phone number. I fear the excessive intrusions. I do find that using twitter to send out information to the students is a great way to stay connected.
Chris,
it definitely is a personal choice, but sometimes it's more time efficient to reply to questions via text rather than email.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hi Chris,
Actually texting them is a great time saver. I use Google Voice and I can plug in five numbers at a time to send quick reminders for assignment reminders, lecture schedule changes, and other important updates. They are appreciative of the convenient contact method.
I would never text with a student. Who has the time.
Lucille,
I agree I also text with my students. I am very careful that it is strictly related to the business of the course & I also realize that not everyone is comfortable with this. You would definitely have to make sure this is a decision you wanted to make.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
