Communication
How do you think using dynamic and multidirectional forms of communication will improve your ability to keep your students engaged?
This is so true. When we, as educators, are able to demonstrate how they can use their "sacred" technology in a learning environment, they get excited. We should always try to build that bridge if possible.
In my online classroom, I like to use a variety of multimedia and also allow for time for students to take field trips to other sites to learn additional information. I believe that I am keeping students engaged because they are active participants.
Erika,
Excellent points! There is often a direct outcome of learner autonomy when various learning tools and resources are used and dynamic contexts of learning are developed.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Using dynamic and multidirectional forms of communication can help students become autonomous learners and problem solvers. I often note that employers are looking for independent problem solvers who demonstrate initiative in challenging situations. These forms of learning build self confidence and critical abilities to attain this independence. I do think it's important though to act as a facilitator and guide in the use of these tools and knowledge to achieve success since the prospect of doing this completely independently can be overwhelming and confusing.
Dave,
Which online tools do you use and/or instructional software?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I use different teaching styles to relate to each type of learner. This includes: online training, lecture, and lab reinforcement.
My department use blended instruction as an active learning tool for students. On-line learning sets the foundation for visual and instructional(verbal) learning. Hands-on application follows the essentials and the visual process of the course materials. This way of instruction keeps the students engaged in the course materials and allows for open end question in the classroom.
Tony,
Very true...learning preferences will absolutely change as we use more and different technology. Great points!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Every one has their own learing style or combination of styles. Using Multidirectional forms of Comunication and Instruction will surely enhance the leaning process. I'm willing to bet many students will discover new or different styles they can use or add to their own. And I'm sure instructors will discover additional delivery methods they can add to their own. Very engaging for students and instuctors!!! If it looks like a fun, walks like a fun....
Every one has their own learing style or combination of styles. Using Multidirectional forms of Comunication and Instruction will surely enhance the leaning process. I'm willing to bet many students will discover new or different styles they can use or add to their own. And I'm sure instructors will discover additional delivery methods they can add to their own. Very engaging for students and instuctors!!! If it looks like a fun, walks like a fun....
Every one has their own learing style or combination of styles. Using Multidirectional forms of Comunication and Instruction will surely enhance the leaning process. I'm willing to bet many students will discover new or different styles they can use or add to their own. And I'm sure instructors will discover additional delivery methods they can add to their own. Very engaging for students and instuctors!!! If it looks like a fun, walks like a fun....
Michael,
I'm not sure to what you're referring to here....communication in general?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I think that that this will increase the testing scores and give the students a better understanding.
Markia,
How does new technology increase input to all of these and have you found it benfit your students directly? Can you provide some specifics to your response?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
total input on all human sensors, hearing seeing, doing
Michael,
Great overview! I like your level of diverse delivery options as well as increased interactivity for students. can you think of how yoru students can move beyond mastery to knowledge building? That is moving beyond set content to applied and developed content?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Tough question here since I already use a sort of blended teaching method depending on the topic being taught in my course on a particular day.
I have used an instructor lead presentation of material with student participation; Computer based training where the student follows an interactive presentation of a topic utilizing videos and quizzes. Upon the completion of all areas presented on the topic on the computer the student is allowed to print of a certificate of completion. If the student has not mastered the concept based on his/her answers to the quizzes the computer will have them review the areas they are struggling in again before they can take the quiz again.
I have asked students to work on a research assignment as a collaborative group sharing what they had learned. This gets the students to think outside the box and get’s them thinking of alternate solutions to problems. Some solutions presented are very good and not all students would have thought of doing it that way if they were doing this assignment on their own.
In the near future our core courses are going to a more structured style blended learning where the student is required to view online presentations of a topic before coming to class where the instructor will then be able to clear up any confusion of what the student viewed on line, add to the information presented, test the students, and allow the students to perform hands on practice of the techniques learned online out in the lab area.
This seems like a very structured schedule and we will see if it will present any barriers to our students who are not as computer savvy as some. We will have to make changes as problems arise to meet the different learning styles of our students as needed but I’m excited about this upcoming change. The unknown at this point is how far our curriculum department will allow us to expand on the topic information wise (time in class). Hopefully after teaching this course numerous times I hope I could be flexible enough to integrate and actually use student-led content. Time will tell.
Everyone learns and receives information in different ways. The more ways a teacher can provide information to their students, the greater the chances that actual learning and retention of information will occur.
Yes, especially when thwy get to more than one.
