Ok, so Jasen and Scott...how, then, can teachers work with the students to still develop the kinds of social skills you see as missing? We cannot rely on technology, as we all know, but can use it to enhance what we already need to teach while at the same time making use of new skills that are being developed as a result of the technology use. Good discussion...
Well said Scott. I find that many of the younger students have very limited social skills. They do not know how to talk and deal with people face to face. They are use to texting and email. Sad
Good points, Ben. So, what are your thoughts on "new literacy" skills that students can develop using new technology? That is, digital literacy...can you think of ways to encourage literacy skills in students using new technology?
I have a great deal of students who hate reading and writing. Dread it in fact. They would rather use technology. I have learned the value of technology working at a technical school. I am the opposite of my students I would rather read and write and be creative that learn a complex computer program because my brain is not accustomed to that. Using new technology makes one learn a lot of important skills not least of which is the ablilty to just dive in and not to be afraid. New technology can be daunting at first but students realize they have to start at the bottom and work up. These are good lessons for life as it will be the same situation in their jobs in "real life." If they have the ability to just go for it and not need to be the head of the company or know everything right away they will be better off. Using new technology also give students the good skills of reading or seeing something in one place/way and applying it to another i/e the program itself.
Sometimes breaking up assignments into smaller chunks may work. Posting a breakdown / schedule of what to complete and when does wonders.
Giving a list of basic links / sites can help.
Suggestions on search topics, names of people involved and technique can allow students to dig deeper on there own.
Can you be more specific, Melissa about how you see new technology maximizing student learning styles? Are you referring to the diversity of approaches or the technology itself?
I feel it is also important for an instructor to encourage students to use various technology mediums to assist students in regards to their learning styles. I encourage my students to understand their learning style, embrace it, and maximize their abilities. Using technology can assist a student in regards to this.
An instructor can incorporate new technology into the course by requiring students to use certain programs (i.e. PowerPoint, Excell, etc.) in regards to course projects. This allows students to enhance their technology base and future workforce skills.
I think it impacts their ability to be able to take ownership of their own learning. If they take ownership they assume responsibility for its accuracy, applicability to real world experiences. It allows them to realize how they learn and apply that process for other areas of knowledge.
Good points, Jon. How do you specifically focus on the development of time management and research skills with your students, using new technology?
I must agree with several of your replies.
The new technology as far as a blended learning adds a sense of ownership and self sufficency to the learning environment. It can make for a more dynamic environment than the standard classroom.
Time management and researching skill are something that should develop and get stronger.
Writing should improve being that text input is something used greatly with the new technology.
Interesting point, Harry. The customization and self-directed aspects absolutely provide students with an opportunity to become more independent in their learning much faster.
I agree with Mr. Harris. Students who embrace new technology tend to be better students. Our classes have numerous web couses that have to be completed before the instructor led course. Those who excel at the webs do better in the course.
Learner autonomy is a critical goal in higher education, Steven, as you say. Students can often resist the kinds of activities and challenges presented to them by instructors in this process, however, they are vital. Great points, Steven.
Learning to be self sufficient is one of the most valuable things a student can learn. As an instructor I have asked my students to use the internet to research certain subjects and found that the ones that did were much more efficient in class, had a better understanding of the material, and made better grades.
So how can you as an instructor, Jessie, ensure that your students develop both kinds of skills: technological skills and interpersonal skills?
I think there are many different ways that technology will assist in developing new skills, but there is also the thought that a student sitting behind a computer all day will greatly reduce there ability to deal with the customers! They are losing the ability to deal with people because the do not have have any face to face dealing with people!
Well said, Tearee. The essence of the interconnectedness of new technology and the multilayered media possiblities present students with various options but also challenge their thinking in various ways. Do you think, as a teacher, it is important to then use this higher level of skill development to influence how a course is designed and delivered as you move forward?
I agree with you here Bill and just to add to your thoughts, today's technology-based learning is very time sensitive including taing tests or exam. So, students need to havehigh level of sel-consciousness and higher standard of self-discipline to organized their time. In another word, time management is very cruicial in technology-based or Blended learning environment. Student who procrastinate with their assgnment and work, always fall behond the grade.
What types of new skills does the use of new technology develop in students?
The use of new technology develops new skills such as critical thinking for students. Students are required to actively participate by demonstrating what they know whether it be an individual assignment or a group project. They in engage in the "why" and "how" in their interactions. They also include life experience and relate the learning to how it applies to everyday life. This in contrast to regurgitating facts learned from memory.
