Denise,
Questions and case studies related to the subject matter and applying in to something that recently happened in the world or could potentially happen can led to some good discussions
Antoine Lewis
I totally agree with the course facilitator here! It is very important in my classroom management technique by first encouraging discussion, debate and conversation about the topics at hand before I even think about referring my students to internet sources. I do find that if you challenge students enough they will search out and find other sources of information on their own and add meaningful information to the flow and direction of the discussion. I am tickled pink when I put out a challenge question and I see students get absolutely thirsty in trying to find the answer or come up with a theory backed solution. I love it!
dennis,
Students do easily get distracted when it comes to the internet. This is a constant battle for instructors in the classroom. Ice breakers and getting the classroom engaged without technology being used can set the tone for an attentive class.
Antoine Lewis
I agree with you, the students seem to always find the time to check everything on the internet except what they should be looking at.However if you get the students focused, there is some very good information, and excellent u tube videos the students can view to explain how things operate,which will help the instructor get his or her point across to the students.
Scott,
This is a good tool for students to take advantage of when not in class or when needing more information than the general course material provided from a course. Many student do not take advantage of resources like this or an online library or even reputable videos from YouTube. We has faculty should more often have graded task that require outside resources to be used.
Antoine Lewis
We use our company made website that the student can access on their own time. It goes hand in hand with the curriculum being taught in the classroom. It has videos that further explain the days lesson.
erick,
I find is very helpful as faculty to find reputable outside material that is current and relates to the courses subject matter. Lends itself to great classroom discussion.
Antoine Lewis
erick,
Whenever we has faculty can take the curriculum and verbally and visual share how it applies in the workplace student find value in that which often lead to better classroom engagement.
Antoine Lewis
I use the internet in many different ways. A lot of the courses that I teach deal with Cisco networking and security.
In my course we use the Cisco packet tracer tool to similate real live Cisco equipment. The students and I use the google and youtube videos to provide more references to configuring networking environments using packet tracer.
The internet also has lots of videos and news stories that provide insight about many of the security related threats that are discussed throughout the courses.
Using the internet to access videos, company catalogs, and other important information about companies is very beneficial when it comes to providing information to support real world scenarios. Students this day and time rely heavily on real world information to gain valuable insigth into their future workplace.
Tabitha,
Good simulators have been more effectice than lab exercieses as it improves learning and student interest.
Antoine Lewis
In the sciences there are many simulators that can be used to increase the students understanding in a particular area. This not only helps the visual students but also makes the classroom more interesting and the students can access the simulators at home to increase the learning. The biggest advantage is it promotes learning in a fun way and always the students to understand that the Internet has more to offer than games and Facebook.
Lauren,
You are using a good mix in your class to keep the students engaged. Lecture, video/audio and discussion after is always good.
Antoine Lewis
I use the internet for several different teaching elements in all of my classes. The internet is a must in my introduction to computers class for obvious reasons. We use MyITlab, which is a simulated software that teaches students at their own pace how to use Windows 7 or 8 and various software programs (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) In my Psychology class we use the internet to stream informative videos, case studies, interactive quizzes, etc. I always look for new and exciting ways to keep my students engaged and interested in learning. I have found that changing up the way I present information or topics using various tools and teaching methods in shorter intervals (15 - 20 minutes each) keeps student's engaged longer in the class. For example: I may lecture for 15 - 20 minutes, then we may watch a 10 minute video or case study. Next I may pull up a PowerPoint that I made using Clicker questions, classroom discussion topics, or some type of activity and so on. I am always open to suggestions regarding various teaching tools, but like this course suggested already, I do not utilize tools or the internet just so that I can use the most up-to-date technology or means of delivery. Most importantly, the methods I use must be conducive to student learning and participation.
Brandon,
The pros do oversee the cons and a respectful push is often needed when in the classroom.
Antoine Lewis
Oh yea, facebook, youtube, nest thing you see them checking craigs list. anything but focus on what the class is about. But the benefit out weighs the loss of time. Usually a gentle push gets the student back on the right track.
Brandon,
The internet being a distraction is a drawback for us as faculty because technology allows us to deliver education in many ways but what I have found is some student will check facebook when they planned to complet thier coursework.
Antoine Lewis
We use the internet in lots of places to teach with, We have web based training modules that can extend into many aspects of what the student can learn. How ever I have seen this internet access become distracting and taking time that could be used to lean.
Kathleen ,
The dropbox allow you to still have a personal touch and because you to evaluate and leave your feedback for submitted assignments. You can edit your feedback if an assignment is resubmitted making it easy to keep track of submissions and files
Antoine Lewis
Bill,
I'm like Sheila. I hear terms like "cloud" and "drop box," but don't really know much about them.
I teach composition courses, and really prefer to have paper copies. That allows me to write corrections, encouragement and suggestions all over the students' work, providing very personal feedback.
On the other hand, if my use of Drop Box will get more students to submit their work in a timely manner, I'm all for it.
I'll take your suggestion and check out dropbox.com.
Thanks for the idea.
