New skills developed are productivity, time management, communication, and collaboration.
Dr. Dave Hinkes, DBA, DBA
When I look at the increasing use of technology in the classroom (brick and mortar or virtual) I think of all of the possibilities of students using technology they like using. The trick is to turn the use of that technology into a learning experience that will also benefit the student in business applications (or in their further education.) The increased use of smart phones is on the horizon and I have seen and heard that smart phones will outsell tablets in the very near future. Judging on their increased capabilities, that does not surprise me. One of the skills I think technology fine tunes is collaboration. Students know how to exchange information using social networks. Expending more of that effort on classroom activities (small groups?) or at least having the ability to do so will engage more students and keep their interest in the course material. They are able to readily share their ideas in forums in which they are comfortable (wikis, blogs, chat rooms.) I like using and moderating discussion boards, but the use of advanced technology to achieve communication and collaboration will further enhance the exchange of ideas and encourage students’ participation. We look for this advantage in teams in the workplace as well.
The new technologies demand that students learn netiquette, digital citizenship, and cultural sensitivity.
Dana ,
Exactly! Yes, technology should always enhance the experience and not simply create more busy work for the students...I learned that the hard way in my teaching :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I am a geek when it comes to technology. I love the idea of using technology in the classroom. I have found that using technology just to use technology causes is more problem than it is worth. When using new technology you need to be aware of the distraction that it may cause.
I think using new technology offers the student the opportunity to learn the content and develop skills with new technology.
One of the first things a student will need before learning a new technology is time...however in the case of skills, patience would be a good one and willingness. I know with certain technologies like Twitter, I am justnot interested in it and I don't see how it is usegul to me so having an understanding of what the use is and how it can help you, even through demonstrations is key.
In my campus, the use of a instructional learning website is available to all students. The website gives the students access to all courseware that is taught by educators in the classroom. Once the classroom course is completed, students have the ability to reveiw the materials on the website. Students can also take a chapter test after review.
Using technology, such as reference searches in the LRC, helps students to develop both a sense of what they are really looking for and how the ability to gain knowledge from this research helps them. By encouraging students to do research on a topic of their choice, they can learn that research and learning are fun and a skill they can take with them throughout their career.
Using technology to help students to develop new skills is very important these days. The technology can help students doing the work more effectively.
I teach project management courses. One course requires students using MS project software. A lot of my students never used this tool before. By learning this new software, they plug into new world on how to come up with project schedule and cost.
Using technology is very important piece when we teach students.
They will develope the skills needed to succeed in the automotive field. Blended learning really lends itself to the auto repair field. The entire industry has shifted to almost every thing electronic and computer controled components.The inclucsion of Laptops, PC's and webb training is natural evolution for/and as an Instructor tool. Good stuff!!!
Peter,
So, clearly, students need instructors to intervene and help guide their searches and uses of information.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
new technology puts a wealth of information at students fingertips. This might be a bad thing, as the accuracy of information could be suspect, as it comes from untested sources. Students need skills in accessing the information quickly, to be able to edit good quality information from bad, and to assemble the information gathered in usable formats. Of course to be able to access this information, students are required to be computer savvy.
Louis,
Can you be more specific as to how you see this happen with your students? How do you know when your students have attained new knowledge in your subject area?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I believe the new skills help the students develop better knowledge and retention.
the type of skills it gives them is to be more employable, in my field (diesel engine technology) we use the newest technology available, most of the time we are in remote locations and have to rely on the internet, mobile phones, and texting conversations with the engineers. so what we do in class helps them when they enter the field.
Lance,
Keeping your approach as varied as possible means that more students will benefit.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Well i try different ways I have the students research ideas and topics from a knowledge level they know and then i have them do reserch on topics they dont know ,also try hands on they realy like that.
Peter,
Yesm instructors are still needed! :) Peer tutoring among students can help with some of the knowledge gaps as well...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
abdalla,
I invite you to expand on these ideas in the instructional forum in the faculty lounge on this site. Good ideas!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
What we have seen lately in some of the students is that they are not as computer savy as you think. They know how to play video games real well but not the knowledge needed to work or run the computers.
