Stanley,
Very true...new technology is now used throughout society and in all workplaces. This then becomes a vital part of learning for today's students if we are to prepare them adequately for success.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Miguel,
I'd love to hear more about how and why this happens in your experience...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
When you have the students use the "new" technology, you are having them use the technology that the "real world" expects them to be able to use to survive and compete. With development the new technoloy (ways of doing things), the students hot only need to be able know "know" the subject, they also have to be able to apply it in the context of "now."
Students become more independent, focused and think more critically.
Shafi,
Again, Shafi, expand on why you say this - which specific skills are important here?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The students can be more productive in learning outcomes.
Todd,
Please visit the faculty lounge. I am trying to start a discussion in the teacher exchange forum regarding the future of online learning - new technology has changed so much yet our instructional designs often remain conventional ....I'd love to ear your ideas in the forum.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
One of the practical applications of this new technology will be that the students are now going to be able to have laptops with an interactive curriculum and testing method built into the software as well as have access to an interactive discussion forum with the rest of the class and the instructors. I am particularly looking forward to being able to participate in these forums so that we can discuss topics at more depth and enhance the students' understanding of the technology we cover through online collaberation and discussions. The format will also require the students to participate in the online WBT before they are permitted to complete the hands-on lab portions of the course, which should have the affect of improving their ability to learn and demonstrate concepts, as well as pass standardized tests. Right now far too much emphasis is placed on these types of tests which really do not test the students' learning or fairly grade his/her ability to demostrate an understanding of the concepts that will allow them to use the information they have learned, rather than prove memorization skills.
Tim,
That was a lesson in itself. Thank you. I wish I did have the collaboration of my peers. I have noticed anything that I assign using and developing new skills is readily accepted my my students. I am excited and whenever I can implement a task that requires developing these new technolodies I will jump on it. I have a way to slowly integrate my methods so it appears to be ohters ideas.
The use of technology can enhance a course learning by captivating and motivating an audience. It can also open doors to new teaching methods which could be used to the instructor's advantage to support greater student education.
In addition to written communication skills, the students will learn autonomy which is the goal of education.
I like the idea of reinforcement on different levels so that there is not just linear learning but a circular realm of education.
New skills would be effectively mastering technology, effective written communication skills.
So, Patti, you have focused on communication, social, and keyboarding skills. I would agree that communication and social skills are developing, but differently from how we have defined these skills in the past - would you agree? Also, what do you think will take the place of keyboarding in the near future?
Technology encourages students to stay connected with each other, the instructor/school and the community. Therefore, I believe that technology can enhance communicaiton and social skills. Also, a very basic skill that people develop when using the computer is typing skills.
The use of new technology should develop a more reference savvy learner. It should lead to more information being available for students to manipulate and convert into new knowledge. Unfortunately, my experience is that the vast majority see the Internet as a source to replace their needing to know the information or even "think about it". I believe this is what has led to the plague of plagiarism we have seen in higher education recently.
Yes, there is always a process of transition to consider, John. As technology is changing so quickly it seems that process will never end. In any group of students, no two students are at the same place with technology or with their expectations or learning needs. Our job as teachers is to design and support the kinds of learning environments within which each student can move him/herself forward within that environment. So, rather than step students through, we must support their own learning and use of technology. Good point!
I like these tools. But I also see blow-back, both from students who expect the old forms and are insecure about any change, and from the my administration who listen to their complaints. This makes any change a tremendous amount of work for me preparing both sides.
What specifically would be enhanced for your students with these devices? What are your ideas?
I do feel that introducing new technologies to my class would increase amd enhance their communication skills, especaily mobil devices like the Ipad or Iphone.
