I think the internet has introduced a flexibility to the learning process which permits the learner an atmosphere of "natural comfort" which allows the person learning to expand his or her knowledge base in a "non-contrived" way - by this I mean with each bit of information exchanged the learner is challenged to ask himself/herself questions about material he or she has encountered and decide if that information is sufficient or whether it must be "increased" and "rounded out."
It allows individuals access to learning without being in an on-ground classroom. The Internet has given individuals flexibility in learning and in achieving their goals of advancing academically and professionally.
The Internet has entirely changed the instructional field. Now, students can keep their day job, pickup the kids, and do HW assignments in the comfort of their homes. It has brought education to the masses of adult learners.
Randa,
Very true. I would encourage you to think about ways in which the technology has changed how students learn or expect to learn and how we should teach and plan or design instruction. Things have changed as a result of new technology.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It has been extremely helpful. It provides so many more resources. Access to skills, tapes, and activities.
Loriann,
Good points. The technology provides varied inputs to reinforce content and allows for students to also publish their own work.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I can definitely agree that u-tube has activated some form of computer mediation. It has the capability that even google does not offer. For one to be able to visually, verbally and auditory learn from video has enabled not only students to be in an informal learning environment, but to have the ability to return back to it endlessly.
Ruby,
Good to read that you're not only enjoying these new tools yourself but integrating them into your courses. Yes, there are many resources now available and teaching is now more about providing students with the contexts and criteria within subject areas to navigate and use these resources well in their own learning experience.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Hello Dr. Reynard,
The internet has so many websites to assist the student in learning. I have been teaching online for two years now and am finding so many opportunities that I could have been using all along. I wished learning had been this fun in my school years (1967 - 1970). I would have become a teacher 30 years ago.
I never even thought about using U-tube. I was just recently introduced to a website at www.goanimate.com that allows you to also make movies for your students. I cannot wait to start using this teaching assistant.
Thanks for all of the info!!
Ruby W.
Laura,
Very true - similar to student "kick back" on the conventional journaling, you will find some students struggle with self-reflection and would rather not do it. Once overcome, however, self-reflection, as we know, is a wonderful practice in learning.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I am excited about using blogs, wikis and discussion boards as part of my instructional process. As long as the students are comfortable using these tools and the instuctions are clear about expectations, I see no end to the collaborative learning that can occur.
Fialishia,
Yes, I agree. I think hybrid is a richer environment.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Absolutely. I feel the same way. The Internet has dramatically changed how I deliver my courses as well. Even if my courses are completely classified as "online", I tend to design my courses with a blended approach. These days, the Internet provides so many more options and makes it so much easier to teach students with different learning styles.
Fialishia O'Loughlin
Carl, nice answer :-) I've been thinking about playing around with Moodle about it. As a website developer instructor, one of the things I really like about it is the fact that its free open source.
Quick question... you mentioned, "However, the class I mentioned is a 3 hour student-led discussion class and the class size is between 5 and 10. So there is no chat-room, forum, or blog discussion." Does this mean that only classes of a certain size can have a discussion forum (at your school)?
Thanks again!
Fialishia
IADT-Orlando Faculty
According to Module 1, computer mediation refers to "using the computer to mediate between teacher, learner, content, and application/demonstration; in other words using the computer, not as a teacher, but as a meditative or interceptive technology in the learning process."
I believe the Internet has bought a number of changes to the teaching process that allow instructors to design more blended-learning environments.
First, the Internet enhances communication between students and teachers via E-mail, discussion forums, etc.., The Internet also provides more learning flexibility. This flexibility allows the teacher to cater to a variety of learning styles by providing online video lectures, online meetings & demonstrations (skpe), sharing multimedia presentations, etc..
Without the Internet, blended learning would not be possible. I believe its one of the best things since sliced bread!
Thanks, Fialishia
IADT-Orlando
Amy,
Young people are also preferring environments like Instagram and Snapchat to Facebook - things keep moving :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Hi Dr. Reynard,
I find the same is true for my students, who often tell me they are very active on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It makes me wonder if there could be an easier way to distinguish between private profiles (information people want to share with family and friends) and professional or public spaces. Most people probably don't want their co-workers to have access to photo albums, for example, with pictures of them at parties. However, these networks have become indispensable for today's business structures. Perhaps this is a niche best fulfilled by Linkedin?
Thanks,
Amy Phillips
Kenya,
Great examples of your technology use! Try voicethread as well for phones.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I can appreciate using the internet in the classroom. I have incorporated youtube clips and embedded internet links in the course lectures to further explore the content. The last two semesters, I have tried to engage the students with Twitter. I used Twitter to ask additional questions to upcoming class lectures or to ask their opinion of a topic that is happening in the news that relates to the course. I have only used Twitter as an extra credit option because students may have to additional research outside of their textbook to answer questions. I also reply to the students as well so that they know that their answer has been read and if applicable pose a follow-up question. I have found that the students don't really enjoy having to use technology in the classroom if it involves work or the course content. They will look things up that they think is "cool" and interesting but really has nothing to do with the course.
According to the EL107- Module1, course, “Computer mediation†means to use “the computer to mediate between teacher, learner, content, and application/demonstration; in other words using the computer, not as a teacher, but as a meditative or interceptive technology in the learning process.†The internet connects resources anywhere at any time through hyperlinks. In instructional process, the Internet technology directly connect students and teachers, students and students, students and content, and students and beyond. The technology of the Internet includes hardware, software, and communications. Wireless technology enables students to access content via smartphones. It allows you to connect to the Internet any time from virtually any place.
Internet technology and websites use cookies to provide information to the websites for improved target customization of content. Cookies are records users’ actions on the site. Internet technology provides opportunities for students to create their individualized learning experience, integrates specific learning needs, and learning preferences. The internet technology encourages instant communication and interaction and a customization of learner content. The Internet has facilitated online and blended learning delivery. (source: EL107- Dynamic Instructional Design: Module 1)
