Virtual Connections
The courses you teach may have several virtual connections that encourage students to think beyond the immediate material. How will you address that in the classroom in a way that will keep the students excited about the course and its objectives?
I agree. Practical scenarios are highly useful in the classroom. Especially if we can demonstrate how they have played a part in our lives (and potentially how it will in theirs).
Dave,
Can you provide an example of this?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Virtual connections are easily accessible for students. Internet can help with trouble shooting and reinforce what they are learning at their own pace. I always suggest they use the manufacture's website.
Ronnie,
I agree that information is much more readily available and on any subject...students do, however, still need to learn how to find and use relevant and legitimate information in their field.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I feel that the student has many more avenues to find information fastly these days than they did just a few years back. With internet being the biggest contributer. And the ability to access is in their finger tips.
Information ,Knowledge and understanding Theory of Operation are key to a succesfull career in the automotive field. Useing the old sources such as books, pictures, lectures and adding various virtual connections will enhance learning and problem solving skills as well prepare students on how to use the Internet to find the vast amount of information needed to succeed.This in itself is fun and rewarding.
Michael,
Not all educators do but I agree this methodology is beneficial to students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I think that as an educator we all use practical scenario's. That is the way i teach my class every time by using things that I have done in the field.
Michael,
Great! Your commitment to the learning process is vital - keep pushing back with direction so that the students take on the responsibility themselves.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Currently in my course students are given a list of web sites they can access to obtain additional information pertaining to the research assignments that I assign them. I want them to understand that when they only look in one location for the information they are not getting complete information. The manufacture websites has the most detailed information about specifications of their products, the latest service updates and what are the proper tools to use. Information about current issues with their products may not be available at the manufacture site and a web search may be necessary.
I even have a research assignment where they struggle to find or locate a particular part online. When they come to me for guidance I tell them that requires a bit of “Old School†research as I hand them a 4†thick book and show them how we had to look up the information before computers and the internet was invented.
steve,
What specific challenges do you anticipate?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I am sure this could be a challenge first off. I belive the students in my class will be right on the course material.
james,
Great! Your focus on the actual learning process will strengthen student progress - your instructor's intervention also is vital to help guide the progress.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Peter,
Yes, increasing confidence is vital for students - understanding the value of your own thinking is a wonderful revelation!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
the steady and constant input from me, how this information learned today, will benefit the student is vital.learning as it applies to real situations and the workplace keeps them hungry for more.I will start to discuss a topic get them really excited toward the end of the day, then tell them we will discuss more and conclude tomorrow. that drives them crazy, they cannot wait untill tomorrow.The next morning they start asking questions immediatly, I tell them to wait until everyone arrives, they go crazy I love it.
Keith,
This is great and your students need your guidance and direction as they do...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Much of what we have to teach our students is where to find good reference or diagnostic material. Printed versions are getting hard to come by. It seems that most of this material is available online as a first recourse, then DVD or in print. Keeping the students excited or interested tends to come with discovery, that the students learn where to get the info, then applying into their problem. By successfully navigating a concern, their confidence grows and they stay engaged.
I tend to give students the opportunity to use what ever resource is available to them or what they are comfortable with to get their lab and classwork done.
James,
I agree - if you have time, please join the instructional exchange forum in the Faculty Lounge on this site to share your specific ideas on designing assignments and assessments that require students to use new technology. It sounds like you have some great examples going on with your students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
