New technology empowers students when they have learned the skills to use them. They are excited that they can apply them into their classroom participation, but if they are also working, I have received feedback about how these new skills will also help them on the job. Additionally, when writing papers, students will need to know how to verify if the information they accessed is biased or factual. Many times beginning students will reference Wikipedia as a source of information. We as instructors need to point out that anyone can change or add to these sites, and therefore are not reputable. However, many times if you scroll to the bottom of these sites, there are references here that could be reputable and useful information to use in an essay, for example.
Penelope,
I am not sure to what you are referring here. Could you qualify your response further? Do you mean that you think new technology raises self-confidence in students and facilitates the development of the adventure in learning new things? How exactly have you seen this happen with your students? What about your role as an instructor in this process?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Self confidence and an adventure for learning new things.
Khal,
Good points! Also, as far as future employment is concerned, the skills of collaboration and cooperation are vital.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Dr. Reynard,
The use of new technology in student learning helps introduce new skills and develop existing ones. The teacher facilitates active learning using a variety of delivery modes in order to engage and support students in a rich learning environment.
Therefore, students have more opportunities to interact with each other’s and learn new valuable skills in the process. As a result, these students would be more prepared to compete in their professional careers.
-Khal
Nicholas,
Good points! So, the soft skills required for professional employment can be well developed in a learning environment that integrates and uses new technology.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The skills vary by the technology used. In the case of web based teaching the student learns self-motivation and is free to learn at their own time. Interactive learning through chat or mobile media allow for interactive learning that requires the skills of cooperation, presentation of arguments, and the ability to critique and respond.
Lanny,
Your comments are accurate and I would also add that as students use technology that is new to them, they also learn new skills that emerge form that use. Therefore, as well as valuing the actual outcome, the process should be valued as well.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
There is a whole host of new skills that students can develop when using new technology within the classroom environment. I think, first and foremost, is the ability to deal with the fear of change. Anytime a new technology is introduced, whether in the classroom or outside, there is a hesitancy or even a fear of using that technology. Whether it is due to a comfort level of complacency or fear of understanding how to use and apply the new technology, the use of the new technology can help broaden their minds and make them more receptive to change. Developing this skill is vital in today's world. Life moves on with or without you. The ability to open your mind to new ideas, processes, and methods is a skill that is essential to thrive in our ever-changing planet.
Lauree,
Great ideas and examples. Please continue the discussion in the Instruction Forum in the Teachers' Lounge.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Technology and it's various applications will develop skills depending on the learner's values.
Some learners may use technology merely as an 'information resource' to google massive amounts of knowledge. While other students may use technology to create their own personal custom learning environment tailored to their learning style (with fonts, colors. backgrounds, favorite tabs, and various links that are deemed important). Technology can teach students the skill of being 'self-sufficient or independent' whereby ANY onine video 'how to' can be viewed so the student can now copy or attempt a new skill on their own. Some students gain confidence or enhance their written communication skills by sharing their perspective or facts in various BLOGS or Wiki's.
Technology develops skills in students that we may or may not be able to assess and certainly may not even be aware of.
Michael,
So, the main challenge for instructors is to not be linear in design or delivery of instructional engagement, so that students can interact and apply more freely.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The new types of skills students (at least to date) demonstrate with technology can be hard to measure at times but from observation, there are so many (frankly too many) different types of technological platforms and though many are used for social settings, these same technologies make excellent tools in skill development because it involves the lesson being taught involving the learning objectives, practical application as well as the students critical thinking skills, real-life and academia involvement. It is understandable that some students may do better than others with different types of technology but I think it is more important to relate the lessons (all educational lessons) with life lessons in the effort to develop a confident holistic student and sometimes teacher too :).
Mike
Technology in the classroom effectively supports skills in learning, encouraging self-sufficiency, promoting the creation of useable products, and establishing skills that will be needed throughout the students’ lifetime. In my courses I like to place emphasis on the application of concepts and processes acquired in the online course to real world situations through the use of technology.
Kurt,
Very true...expectations are not only connectivity but multi-layered input and exchange.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Students willing to use new technologies certainly are able to communicate and solve problems in new and flexible ways. Consider a project manager using traditional techniques who calls meetings any time communication is required with the team. A new-age project manager will utilize video conferencing, document sharing, and other technologies to maximize communication opportunities and effectiveness.
Bill,
Very true...simply using and interfacing with new technology and digital environments require skills that students will benefit from in their study and in their future career.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Technology can open the doors to various skills for all learners in an outside of the "classroom." Learners can experience new technology and apply that technology in his/her daily lives. That is the facilitators responsibility and real life learning as discussed in this program. For example screen capturing software or video conferencing can be used by any learner in their daily work and lives to increase productivity and mobility. Once they experience it as a learner they will appreciate the possibilities.
Sandra,
Very true. The effective use of technology can help to engage students in the learning process and with everyone participating, the environment is enriched for everyone.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I find my classes becoming more and more varied with different student learning types. Some students are much more skilled in areas while others show preference and promise in other areas. To find ways to reinforce all learning types and outcomes not only helps the student further develop their skills but is an aid in diversity in the classroom and I find that retention is greatly increased if all levels/types are encouraged as well.
