I would argue that it is actually the opposite, online learning is becoming more productive due to the increasing availability and improvement of technologies. Using Skype as an example:
- It allows us to meet in a class situation even though we are all in our own locations
- It allows participants to share links to relevant materials at the time they are being discussed
- It promotes interaction between students and student-teacher; we can text chat while someone is speaking allowing commentary without directly interrupting the speaker
- It allows for the recording of a class for future reference and revision
Response to: "the internet is still a relatively slow way to communicate and present to a class"
How exactly is the internet slow in comparison to other methods? The internet makes accessing information infinitely faster than days gone by. Without the internet and the LMS for most university subjects we would have look up each of the readings in the library - let's say it takes 10 minutes to find each one, and there are perhaps 100 references per subject... well that's a long time! Using the internet we can show a video, play music or reference a book by simply sending someone a hyperlink. The argument about download times is becoming increasingly defunct as internet connections improve. In a 2009 survey of 794 students from various disciplines at the University of Adelaide it was found that 97% had broadband internet access at home (Hall, 2009). Besides which, the internet is just FAST - fibre signals move at ~200,000 km/ps!
Technology is a normal part of our working, social and family lives, it would actually be unnatural NOT to use it in education. I put it to you that technology is not the real issue, it's pedagogy that counts (Preskett, 2010). Technology is a tool, like textbooks and blackboards and it is all about how it's used that makes for good education. You can have excellent learning and teaching experiences online or you can have terrible ones, just as with face to face learning and teaching. Today's technologies provide us with tools to enable more participatory and collaborative learning experiences.
References
Hall, D 2009, MyMedia Student Evaluation 2009, Centre For Learning and Professional Development, http://www.adelaide.edu.au/clpd/resources/reports/MyMediaStudentEvaluation2009.pdf
Louis C K 2009, 'Everything's amazing and nobody's happy', Late Night with Conan O'brien, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk
Preskett, T 2010, 'Thoughts on 'Innovating the 21st-Century University: It’s Time!', Educational Technology and Change Journal, http://etcjournal.com/2010/03/06/3719/
Munroe, R 2010, 'Seismic Waves', http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/seismic_waves.png
I agree that "it would be unnatural not to use the technology" especially with initiatives like this: The Netbook Project ‘In Their Hands’
ReplyDeletehttp://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:8U16igSniAQJ:www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/ict/netbooks/netbookparentpackintheirhands.pdf+netbook+program&hl=en&gl=au&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjR9zmgr7opsdhcCwnOzP9St1Q_UrvVPoHEmX8_N6ky56UaM8cKhlMl-fz99L_D85IGSa2cVi04BI-TjbrKDQzcZ_7-S2SZOjxS7XkKKyMmjzOUk-Wjnla0T8NMmL7-HAcL-eEm&sig=AHIEtbQFiUioA4T4sGpIlPEEVcYXlvumRA
With the support from the government and the current push to integrate technology we would be silly not to use the resources? Even with teething problems (which there will be) wouldnt we be better off using the technology to enhance our lessons? I love the line "technology is not the real issue, it's pedagogy that counts". 100% behind you on this one. Andrea
Are all teachers really able to adapt to a different style of teaching using technology? That is, does their pedagogical training allow for the use of teaching using technology? I would argue that technology may hinder the ability of a teacher to 'reach' each student as opposed to being in a face to face situation. Ted does it quite well by asking each student during our skype sessions for feedback, therefore involving each of us in the lesson. Some teachers may not take this approach and allow the quiet, shy student in the 'corner' to further disappear from the conversation by not insisting they participate. It is far easier in a face to face class for a teacher to gauge a students' reaction and level of interest and react appropriately by further questioning or other forms of engagement. You may well say that "it's the pedagogy that counts"...but is the use of technology preventing us from using our full range of pedagogical skills and knowledge to the benefit of the student? This I ask you.
ReplyDeleteI agree that not all teachers are able to adapt to a different style of teaching using technology, but many can and do. There are even teachers out there who are probably better in the online environment than in the classroom. Same goes for students, online learning is not everybodies ideal situation but for some its a better option and for others its the only option. I guess the point is that technology in education is not going to dissappear and we should be developing teacher skills and good online pedagogy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both arugments. I believe that technology can enhance student learning when used correctly. Its a different teaching method which creates variety and in turn results in student engagement. I remember being in classroom day after day listening to the teacher and taking notes. I loved it when we were able to use the computers, finally something different!! However, if i was using the computer everyday i bet i would have been hanging out to actually write something down in pen. It's all about pedagogy and how you structure your lessons.
ReplyDeleteTheres good and bad points on technology being used within the classroom and i believe moderation is the answer.