There seems to be a heated debate taking place in university and college settings about the use of technology in the classroom. On one side of the debate are faculty members who believe that the use of technology in the college classroom is taking away from the overall level of high quality teaching, while on the opposite end of the spectrum there are faculty that believe the increase use of technology in the college classroom is a continuing trend that can improve and promote better quality teaching.
In the attached article, readers are introduced to both sides of the debate. For example, Professor Mark James (University of West Florida) prohibits students from using their laptops in class and advises them to silence their cellphones. Professor James states, "The students seem more involved in the discussion than when I allowed them to go online. They were more attentive, and we were able to go into little more depth."
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| Professor Mark James |
In contrast, there is Professor Joanne Budzien who is receptive to technology in the college classroom, but recommends that all instructors must contextualize the need and use of the technology to the needs and learning outcomes of their students. Specifically, Professor Budzein discusses her decision to not use clickers in her small classes. She stated, "My classes are very small - I have 24 students, and it just seems impersonal to put up a question and use a clicker. I just have a raise of hands, and I can call on them and say why do you think this and why do you think that."
Personally, I do not believe that technology in the college classroom is a bad thing; however, I firmly believe that technology is a tool and not a substitute for good and effective teaching. The selected technology should always support the instructor's content material and learning outcomes.
Which side of the debate do you fall on? If neither side appeals to you, please explain.
Bro. Thinnakorn...When I read your article, it made me recall when I was a university student. The professor liked to assign the discussion to the students. I my opinion I think there are two sides of the use of technology (pro and con). In my opinion, I am in the middle. I prefer to integrate both of them in teaching and learning. I think it depends on the contents and the nature of subjects. The instructor should know how to select and consider.
ReplyDeleteHi Wilairat:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. I do not think college professors should just use technology just for the sake of using it. I agree that the course content and learning objectives should allows be the primary focus of any lesson given by the technology. Technology should be used if it aligns with the learning objectives and if it will make a lesson more meaningful and engaging to the the student. Thank you for sharing your opinion.
~Aja
Oops! Typo - Sentence should read, " I agree that the course content and learning objectives should allows be the primary focus of any lesson given by the "professor".
ReplyDeleteI would agree with Professor Budzien in this argument. Technology has its place in instruction but it should not take a back seat to face to face personal interaction. The one thing I really do not like about online courses is the fact that you have no idea who the people are that you are interacting with aside from their names in most cases. Utilizing technology to meet specific learner outcomes and to complete assignments would be good things. I just dont think it should be the only thing used. People are great tools as well!!
ReplyDeleteI read the article and really liked the quote, "ed-tech fads have come and gone". I agree with the notion that technology has its place in instruction but only if it truly enhances the learning. That means several things to me: 1) The instructors must understand the new technology in order to attempt to use it in a way that aligns with the learning objectves; and 2)Students must understand the learning objectives and potential learning outcomes, rather than being completely focused on the tools used for the learning. The "blue books" for English composition was an interesting example. I, myself, would want students to type their work rather than use a blue book, but either tool would help accomplish the same learning objectives.
ReplyDeleteHi Greg and Sue:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your return responses; they are very much appreciated. Greg, may I ask you to elaborate a little more on your comment, "People are great tools as well!!" Were you suggesting that for online classes, the instructor should arrange for guest speakers to speak to students in the online classes? Also, in the traditional college classroom, would the above apply as well or do you see some other scenario for calling on people as valuable resources?
Sue, I agree, the "ed-tech fad" quote was great! Over these many weeks of attending and participating in SU's IDE 611, I have learned this definite fundamental fact that technology should never rule or lead an instructional lesson, the content material should be primary because that is what will hopefully be engaging and meaningful to students in order for the overall lesson to be internalized by them and relevant via high level thinking, learning, and processing. Case in point was this week's IDE 611 online lesson and discussion about cybersecurity. Personally, I found it to be one of the most stimulating online topic of conversation that I have participated in all semester due to my fellow classmates analysis, explanation, and synthesizing of the various issues of concerns.
~Aja