Yes, William, instructors must be as aware as possible of new technology, however, I would suggest it is both students and instructors working tgether in a context of learning that will help keep moving things forward.
Yes, LE, and I would say job readiness/marketability as well...and of course enriching the learning experience overall.
When working with Adult Learners, I find that increasing the use of new technology helps the students to catch up with changes in technology that they may not have previously adapted. This results in greater confidence and comfort overall.
This is a good point that sometimes gets forgotten. Technology can only go so farr and it is up to the instructor to take it the rest of the way.
Yes, the self-directed and self paced skills that online learners develop have many implications for ongoing learning and skill development. Good points, Cecil.
Certainly that is important as well as taking initiative to research and apply information.
being able to rely on themsevles
I'm an Auto Diesel tech by trade I teach the craft to 30 new students every three weeks I can tell you these students will do alot of self study on line when they graduate in order to keep up with the industry changes. Having to process information and see how the students understand new technology is going to be a challenge for all of us. I believe setting up chat rooms by the manufactures and getting the students together to share information is a must. You know about the problems Toyota just went through I would be willing to bet some one had already had that problem and a tech had already repaired it but did not indulge what he found. I believe this because Toyota found a fix practically over night. If a chat room or discussion web site had been available the problem probably would not have gotten blown out of proportion.
Technology can be used as a vehicle to teach new technology from the standpoint growing more knowledgeable of the capabilities of the technology. The new skills need to be reinforced through application and use. teaching anew skill with the technology is only aprt of the final goal the other is to have the student show knowledge through use.
Indirectly the student is learning how to think in a logical and clear way. The new skills might be process or procedure based so learning via a technology forat might be the best way to dissemiate new skills to alarger group of people.
Yes, I agree, Francis. I would suggest that the learning outcomes of any current course using new technology and supporting methodology should also identify key skills associated with those challenges and that will be developed as students progress.
No sure about new skills as much as a further delination and improvement of existing skills and the exploration of new technology capabilities.
To get students to learn new skills must be associated with the learning outcome and objectives.
Yes, Alicia, innovation is a key characteristic of new technology users and even teachers and students. New technology is so flexible and ubiquitous that more and more uses and applications can be developed by frequent and diverse explorations and innovations. Good point!
New technology provides students with the ability to change things some...they can create more and learning can be applied in new ways. They have more opportunity to make new paths in learning and new ways of achieving the end result through innovation!
Hi Angela,
Yes, I agree and I would suggest that the level of critical thinking also depends on the instructional design which would intentionally plan for supported learning and problem solving assignments to assess critical thinking skills. In other words, the technology can facilitate the process, however, the skill development is a planned and intentional process of teaching and learning.
Dr. Reynard,
I would agree with Jolly that the skill depends on the learning outcome, but I believe technology enhances critical thinking skills. The level of critical thinking is as varied as each student.
Yes, Tomi, I like your ideas about writing and the consideration of ideas (thinking). Also, the notion of learning exchanges having purpose is so important for both students and instructors - efficiency.
There are several new skills. For one, technology forces students to often reply in writing rather the via speaking. This enforces better writing skills. Use of technology also teaches students to consider a variety of different sources of information, and be involved in a learning process in a holistic manner. Every learning activity has meaning and is important for the process.
Yes, that is so true, Dawn, so it isn't just about the use of technology but we as instructors still need to teach and develop concepts and skills in legitimate and accountable use of information.
Yes, Ron, and I think the challenge to current instructors is to maintain their own skills of life long learning to keep current with new instructional approaches and methods based on technological and societal changes.
When we look at new technology it is like looking at writing across the curriculum. We want our students to be able to use all forms of technology in order to be successful, just as we want them to have proper grammar in their writing. The issue with technology is that sometimes our students go for the “easy way out” (find a paper online discussing what I need to answer and submit it with few changes) as opposed to doing their own work.
