I come from the Atari 2600 era. Most of my students are from Xbox360. I find that combining a little from both eras- the how we got there to the where we are at- peaks intrest and helps explain why things are the way they are. When time allows it is also helpful to discuss the where we will be in X years.
I also agree that we can retrieve valiable information from the the internet. Students and teachers must be careful, some of the information may not be supported by substantiated reference information or reasearch to validate the information or subject.
Good points, Benson. Teachers are needed to guide the process, however, making use of the additional resources makes good sense.
I also teach automotive courses, and I hear daily about internet follies from our students. I do not think this is what we need to focus on here. The ability to feed the students "good" information through discussions via the internet and content that has been approved by the experts in the field of study is what needs to be put out there. I have seen some very good information that our students are more likely to absorb through internet media or discussions with peers and instructors.
SO true. Being the courses I teach are 6 hrs of class out of 90 hour course I am not sure how you could get hands on without the 84 hrs of labs.
Good points, Robert. In the gathering of information, how do you help students organize and apply the information critically in a real life context?
Is this a course delivery system, Clive? Do you also use it to deliver course content and facilitate real time and asynchronous discussions?
we use a web base system this give students the oppotunity
to check assignments and help follow the syllabus better.
this helps them get a jump on assignments and
classwork.
We live in an era of great opportunity to re-invent ourselves by using tools of technology. Being in the collision repair training industry I am having to play catch up with my students when it comes to computer use. The benefit we see in using hybrid methods for our industry is greater information gathering abilities which allows to become even more lean in our processes.
I am excieted about the new hybrid style classes that are here now and the ones to come.I think that this will be a greater chance to mix old school and new school.
I, too, am an automotive instructor and maybe you have to be to fully understand Mr. Wolfe's statement. Our students are always "researching" certain topics online as most young people do today. Problem is, there are no internet police to monitor what information is accurate and what information has been written by somebody who thinks he knows but doesn't, somebody who is bragging about "facts" that are actually fiction, or somebody who has an ulterior motive such as trying to sell something with outrageous claims of fuel efficiency and/or horsepower gain. Many of the authors of this material have absolutely no credentials or relevant experience in the field but because it is on the internet, students think it is credible. We are constantly working to guide students in the ability to separate truth from fiction but sadly, they often tend to believe the fiction because it sounds "easier". Example: Why spend many hours of hard work, calculations, and possibly even get your hands dirty, when a simple five minute installation of a miracle air filter will accomplish the same goal? There is as much or more misinformation on the internet about automotive topics as truth or fact. It could be quite a daunting task to approve or disprove information acquired by 30 students on the internet every day in a few hours of class time.
Yes, Gwo-Fang, there are administrative benefits that make operations more efficient but it also presents an opportunity for students to become more independent in their own learning process. What other ideas to you have for increasing student self-directedness?
Our school has a web based system call "Portal" which we can post syllabus, assignment, grade,... etc.
The system made the communication process versatile and easy.
Gwo-Fang, it is true that not all subject areas can benefit from the same uses of technology as others, however, the essence of new technology is customization and direct application - both of these are generic concepts but would need specific applications of technology to achieve each. Can you think of some general benefits of technology that would help all of your students?
Dr. Reynard,
I am totaly agree with you that new technology can help support and mediate as we facilitate the complex process of teaching and learning. But, I also think new technology, computer, and/or internet is not an answer for every subject that we are teaching. For example, I can see how new technology can enhance my color theory and lighting design class. On the other hand, hand drafting class won't be able to benifit much from new technology.
I like your response. Automotive student need learning from many input sources. It is a business and profession based on rugged individualism.
McKinley, what do you do as a professional to stay current with technology trends that you can use with your students? Do you find it a challenge to stay current?
Students are being motivated by technology and this is exciting. Hopefully we will continue to use it in ways that enhance their learning. It is something to look forward to in the future. This tool brings the needed puzzle piece to their learning and allows them to think outside the box. We must continue in these endeavor and stronger motivation on the part of the learner is sure to follow.
Doug,
Well said. Teaching Fabrication I run into the same issues as well. Sadly many of our students are what I call "microwave" students. They are so use to computers and technology they expect everything to be quick and easy. They do not have the patients to work for something. They are looking for the easy button. The majority are tech smart but do not know how to work. It is sad...
Any time I can use something to help a student understand the course I am all for it. I am always looking for new and better ways to teach students,Not all students learn the same way and if we have more then one way to get the lesson to the students more will understand it.
