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We need to keep our students engaged! Do we ask them about ways in which we can use technology or do we make assumptions?
I have been reading all your views on the use of technology in teaching with great interest! Very valid comments, recognizing the need to be outcomes focused. One thing occurred to me though, have we really been thinking about or even asking our students how they feel? Do we make assumptions about technology or do we try to stay within our comfort zones and in so doing ignore our students? I found this interesting article written by a student giving her views on the use of technology in teaching. Take a read and see whether you agree or not . You may even want to ask your students to write a minute paper on the topic to see how they feel. Read the article which is called Engage me ! A student’s perspective on technology in the classroom.
http://bit.ly/OXRAVh
Dianne,
ReplyDeleteI am indeed excited to try out a number of the new technologies that we are being exposed to and of course ensuring focus on stated learning outcomes. Admittedly I am an an "oldie" powerpoint user (for the last 12 yrs) and although I have been making an effort over the last couple of years (audio, video, you-tube etc.), I realise that what is missing is the "activity and doing" during class.
Incidentally only yesterday I asked my class what they felt needed improvement in delivery of my course and the said just that! "More interactive" please! Doing this CUTL course has not come soon enough- I am looking forward to utilising blogs and wikis (on-line) but for the face to face sessions- getting them to group etc. and "do" a particular activity.
They also suggested that we discuss the DVDs which I show during the session rather than later and more generally. I think for the next class I can prepare some short structured questions on the dvd material which we can share and discuss in the session. They also mentioned to me that in another course a lecturer grouped them and there was a bit of a competition between groups. I could also consider this type of activity.
It was really good to get this feedback- so now I can proceed to improve my course delivery not only using technology but getting my learners to be more involved! Judi
Hi Judith
DeleteI applaud your move to integrate your students into how you can improve your lectures. I myself tried this once but in the form of posting it online via an online questionnaire. Maybe is was how I phrased the question that many students did not answer the question. I like the approach to asking them face to face and getting feedback on spot. Having read the article it does make sense since they are the ones we are trying to reach and they are able to tell us what appeals to them. This is something I will definitely do in future.
JUdith thanks for sharing this experience. Its exactly what I am talking about. Getting constructive feedback can help. I am not saying we start a 'comedy central' meant to entertain our restless students but rather that we use tried and tested ways to get our student involved so that active learning can take place. Good luck Judith.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of asking my students for their feedback or suggestions on the use of technology in the classroom. Maybe because I am new to the use of technology and easily intimidated . So far I have a great bunch of students who assist me in the process, especially when the smart board seems to mock all my efforts. This week I was able to show the class their Moodle page and I was rewarded with applause. (I would like to think they were not sarcastic and think “finally Ms. Lennard, it’s about time”).
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. Dianne for sharing this article, I would defiantly ask for my student’s feedback in the coming weeks.
Kim Lennard
Interesting article, and what I like most about it is that it is written by a student so we as educators are able to get it from the students' perspective. This I view as being very important because sometimes educators are so caught up in their own worlds and with their way of doing things that they sometimes forget that they are offering a service to students who may end up being victims of crimes of technology.
ReplyDeleteI must say that since CUTL and being exposed to other types of technology and technological tools such as discussion forums, I have already started utilising some of these technologies in my course. My students lauded the exercise and thoroughly enjoyed it because they were integrally involved in the teaching-learning process.
We as educators sometimes make excuses and put baseless limitations on our students many times because we are afraid of change or unaware of other types of technologies that exist which can make our lives so much easier. We need to wake up and smell the coffee or we will be left behind in a world where we are unable to communicate effectively with our students.
I enjoyed the article and wondered what my students would have written if they were in her place!
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that the student in the article advocated the use of technology to ensure that students were actively engaged in the learning experience but then highlighted “writing”, “engaging in hands-on activities and simulations”, “utilizing case methods” and “collaborating with peers” as strategies for achieving active learning. I also thought that her suggestion of using technology to expand the “office hours” of the lecturer or TA was a very a useful one. This made me think that although our students may be technologically inclined digital natives, they are likely to benefit from a combination of the old and new technologies once the educator achieves his/her goal of actively engaging the students in the learning experience.
I could not access the link. Maybe it's expired/broken?
ReplyDeleteRavindra M
I cannot access the link
ReplyDeletesophia
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi ,i also could not access the link ,however i went to the site directly and read the article
ReplyDeleteI am happy i did,as it was interesting to get a student's perceptive.
I have 8am classes,this is the only scheduled time for classes,as our students have clinic's from 9-4 everyday.
i repeat 8am,the students who are present look like they have just rolled out of bed and in desperate need of caffeine and the ones who stroll in at 8.30 always complain that there is so much traffic at this our.
I understand it is quite difficult for them ,and there is little motivation to come in so early,during rush hour traffic.
I taught the free breakfast idea for excellent,by sending the photograph on social media to their peers of the appetizing breakfast really improved the turnout.The use of technology was effective and produced the desired result- a full class.
I believe that the technology we are learning to use in this CUTL course ,such as podcast and blackboard collaborate can really enhance our teaching ,as classes can be now placed at times outside of the normal scheduled 8-4 class time.I am sure students would really appreciate not having to come in for 8am.
But if a face-to-face class is required for 8am,free breakfast can be used as a good stimulus to encourage attendance.