The proper use of new technology has demanded that students develop solid investigative and analytical skills. There are so many sources of information that technology has brought access to. Students have to be able to assess what is valid and credible. Even the skill of self-editing is becoming more important as students use technology to express themselves.
New technology enables students to easily research information. They could interview people from across the globe if needed. It also allows them to use technology to present that information and what they learned from it in a creative way (videos/powerpoint presentations). This gives teachers new ways of evaluating their learning and work in the classroom.
Su,
Very well said :) Yes, the skills are quite beneficial for students and also "transferable" which is wonderful.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Jacqueline,
I also find that there is an excitement factor of using new technology; perhaps is it because they gain a sense of control as to how to use the new technology to their advantage.
Many of the students that I facilitate are first timers when it comes to online learning, so I try to enhance further by directing them to other websites such as scientific articles or medical news articles that help to enhance their learning. The use of the Internet can provide many advantages, such as seeking information, and can help prompt discussions on a particular topic. Thank you!
Cheers
Su Somnarain
Dr. Ruth,
The types of new skills that new technology helps to develop in students are (a few that I have observed): creating an open mind, as new technology presents something that may be new to them, there is always that initial excitement to learn something new, thus encouraging communication between learners in an online environment, and seek other alternatives such as the use of a tablet, mobile device to access the course and participate.
I also find that new technology helps to improve upon the conventional way of learning because it gives learners the choice to research and seek out information pertaining to what they are learning. Nowadays, I find that there are apps that help with a specific subject, so learners can take advantage of additional resources to them. These are a couple of my observations with regards to using technology in the classroom. I'm excited to read about the other uses of technology to increase student interaction and learning.
Cheers
Su Somnarain
amanda,
Very true - instructors are needed to guide and coach students as to the useful and legitimate information sources that support their knowledge field.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
There are many types of skills a student can develop with the use of newer technology. Depending on what they are trying to accomplish. For instance, if a student needs to do a research paper on a certain period of time then they can search the internet to find information. The student will need to be careful of what material they find and use due to the many forums and blogs or open source articles available. This make the skill of determining useful information develop.
Andrea,
Good strategy! Yes, this can happen, however, make up sessions are great as are student-led "tutorials" which help make up lost time.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Andrea,
I agree - new technology has changed how everything works and the more we prepare students to face this reality, the more successful they will be.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Hi Joel,
Agreed. Employees these days are expected to know how to use technology to navigate each work day. It is important for companies to educate employees to keep up with the newest technology and trends.
Best,
Andrea
Hi Dr. Reynard,
I have had my classroom crash, audio cease, among other issues because of technology. Unfortunately, technology is this way. I usually include a make up live lecture if the classroom crashes so students don't miss any content covered.
Best,
Andrea
Students who are educated on the newest technology are the people who are going to land positions within companies. The global marketplace requires workers, who are well versed in social media,computer software, the Internet in general and who can use iPhones and VOIP phones.
Vimlarani,
Yes, I agree that it is not a great experience to have technology that doesn't work :) The kinds of new skills we are seeing have more to do with networking abilities, search-oriented tasks, and collaboration. I believe, if we realize this fully, we would design instruction to maximize this and also value those skills when students demonstrate them.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Although there has been a strong push to get educational technology into the hands of teachers and students, many obstacles to implementation still exist. Equipment may not be placed in easily accessible locations. Hardware and software often pose problems for teachers in the classroom, and just-in-time technical support may be unavailable. Without continuous technical support, technology integration in the classroom will never be satisfactorily achieved. Most teachers have heard horror stories about equipment failure, software complexity, data loss, embarrassments, and frustration. An emphasis on engaged learning does not mean that schools should totally abandon technologies that support acquisition of basic skills. These technologies still have value, especially if they deliver instruction to students who are in need of extra practice. What's important is ensuring that all students also have opportunities to use technologies for in-depth learning projects so that they can participate in complex, authentic tasks within a collaborative context and develop higher-order thinking skills. Technologies that are used for engaged learning and that support a challenging curriculum result in improved teaching and learning, increased student motivation to learn, and higher levels of student achievement.
I think students today have to be/become more adept at evaluating information that ever before, due to new technologies. The sheer amount of information available to students is ovewhelming. Students need to sift through information and sources for bias, inconsistentcies, and reliability. Today's students don't have any problem finding information, but a harder time determining if the information is true or accurate. Blogs have turned journalism on its head, so much that anyone can be an author or reporter. As a result students have to be more skeptical about information sources.
As a career planning instructor, I highlight the use of LinkedIn for networking purposes, which is an essential element of career planning that students need to develop. In my online classes, we explore LinkedIn and its many features which help students to build a strong professional presence.
I believe doing research and applying information is important, but what are some ways to get students to take the initiative to do these important tasks? Many tend to be lazy and lack the initiative because research can take a lot of time and effort and to many student they see it as a lot of work.
Learning how to communicate effectively and professionally in new technology platforms. Improving upon multitasking skills and keeping up with technology (such as mobile devices and social media/tools).
Depending on the course, software skills are very important. For example, in accounting and finance knowing how to create and use an Excel spreadsheet is very important. In the realm of term papers, Word is very important to know.
Having good internet research skills is also very important.
The first would be the technology itself. I have found doing these courses that knowing how to navigate through the program was difficult. After the first course it got earier. The second is going to be the types of technology that is presented in the course. The discussion forums really make you think about the subject at hand which some students only like the book information as it is cut and dry. Critical thinking should be a part of the students process but after taking this module I see that it isn't a big part of our face to face course. WE assess a student by the test scores and that shouldn't be the only assessment. As the school I work for is an Allied Health school, the student needs to have different scenerios to practice real life situation they may come a cross in the Medical field. With that being said I believe these types of forum will definately be an asset when I develop the online programs
