Linda,
Very true - customization and flexibility are central characteristics of new technology-based learning environments. As well as meeting existing student expectations, new skills are developed as a result.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
With students now being nomadic with the capability of learning anywhere, new technology allows them the freedom to choose the technology that fits into their lifestyle and learning style. As an instructor, I must be able to use this new technology and enhance my teaching techniques with the use of this new technology.
Robert,
Very true - these new and developing skills should then be maximized by instructors in their instructional design.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Students learn to do more research online because there are so many resources. There is a lot of critical thinking goes into using computers and tablets for research, reading, preparing papers,etc. Students learn by learning in terms of using problem solving skills and critical thinking by using electronic devices to complete assignment, projects, papers, etc.
Paula,
Very true, Paula. Think also about the way in which information is presented and organized in new environments. This increases a wider scope in literacy and application as well.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I agree that it depends on the type of technology being used and the purpose as well. I feel that the common theme that runs through a curriculum that promotes the use of new technology is increased technological skills (obviously) as well as quality student output. Students find more innovative ways in which to share ideas and obtain information.
Paula Bordenkecher
Stephen,
Yes, so the exploration and discovery of the learning process is more clearly facilitated but students must also be able to recognize what is and what is not legitimate information.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
With new technology, I think this depends on the technologies being used. From a personality perspective, certain web collaboration tools help those who might tend to be a bit shy in person to help expand on their personality. Some may use technology to help improve organizational skills and some other technology may help assist with things such as how to explain what one is trying to explain.
I think some of the most important skills that new technology can drive students to develop are curiosity or information-seeking, solution-seeking, and discernment. Discernment has become a very important skill for students when one considered the incredible wealth of information at their fingertips. It used to be pretty cut and dried when I was a student. The info was the info. There was such a limited amount of sources of information compared to today.
Steve
I teach a course for incoming students that focuses on skills that are pertinent to student success. The one unit that always plays a significant role, and the one students always comment as being the most useful is the time management unit. While time management is a skill that most people have/think they have, technology a factor to managing our time that can sometimes work against us. So often the technology sells us on the idea that it makes things easier and faster for us. It can help us multi-task, but for many new technologies become a time waster for people. They get sucked into their mobile devices or get distracted in the store because they are on the phone, or even find homework taking too ling because they took a little detour to check facebook. So the use of new technology really requires students to adjust what they perceive to be effective time management and cleaver multi-tasking. It requires them to work on understanding what is most effective for them in terms of managing their time with the new technology. ~Melissa
I believe that our students are better prepared for the workplace from their experience utilizing technology in the classroom. I also believe that their communication and interaction skills are enhanced.
Kathy,
Good points. Yes, the web connectivity and hyper link technology means that linear is no longer the best way to organize or delivery information. This also heightens the opportunities for cross referencing and networking which is great for our students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I like using technology to support the learning on different levels. Linear thinking or instruction does not provide for creativity and deos not demonstrate the knowledge gained.
The answers can range from a few skills to many skills depending on the type of technology. New technology can provide life skills, employment skills, confidence, new formats for communication and expression. Introducing new technology can allow all learning types to have formats to learn from and demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Cynthia,
Great skills - do you find that there are supporting skills that students are developing which you now can integrate into your assignments and value as part of the grade? I'm thinking of self-directed skills demonstrated in research projects, for example.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Great list, Tim! I agree wholeheartedly. I have found that with teaching online, I have to reach out even more to students to let them know I am aware of their progress, their challenges, and anticipate their needs.
I teach English Composition -- argument, research, and documentation. Students learn how to effectively research topics in online library databases and on the Internet from their mobile devices, Ipads, Kindles, etc. They learn to communicate precisely and concisely online and share information through texting peers in their groups. With MS Word, they learn how to professionally format documents, organize information for different audiences, track changes, send attached drafts via Email to peers to review.
Donna,
I agree - new technology skills are expected in most jobs these days.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Students learn valuable skills by learning how to navigate new software for medical coding by applying the coding guidelines. Employers expect new graduates to be prepared to use the technology tools used throughout the industry. The student becomes more marketable with the knowledge gained and skill built from taking the courses. This also prepares the student for credentialing exams as well. This meets the requirements of the curriculum mapping process from the course outcomes back to the program outcomes.
Use of technology to develop new skills helps students realize the potential for learning that is contained in their everyday lives and their communications with others both in class and out of class. It also develops the skill of learning to rely on one's own ability to acquire information and, through the process of extrapolation, apply that knowledge to real-life situations.
