SECTION 1.3 - TEACHING AND LEARNING
WITH TECHNOLOGY
Too often we purchase a piece of equipment and then figure out what we will use it for, rather than match technology to our teaching and learning needs. It is crucial to understand that the main reason for integrating technology into our programs is to enhance our teaching and learning in some manner. This may be as indirect as technology making our administration more efficient or as direct as delivering learning material via the technology as discussed in the following section. Whatever the case, it is important to first determine what technology is needed and how it will be used.
Optional: PowerPoint Presentation: Technology
1.3.1 MODES OF USE
Earlier section we talked about why the technology is used as being one way of categorizing it. One way of determining what technology to purchase or rent is to identify how the technology will be used. There are three general modes of use for technology when it is integrated into programs as follows:
Adjunct Mode - Technology is used to support (versus
deliver) teaching and learning. For example, a word processing program can
be used to prepare handouts, spreadsheets can be used to record and track
students' progress, learners can use the Internet to research a topic, a web
site can be built which contains course information (e.g., course outline,
timetable, grading system, etc), and so on.
Mixed Mode - Technology is used to partially deliver
a course/lesson material. For example, course/topic material is covered by
both face-to-face classes and online discussions.
Full Mode - Learning material is completed delivered
via the technology. For example, an online, videotape, or audio/video-conference
course.
1.3.2 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
In addition to assessing how we will use technology, we need to critically reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of integrating technology into our programs. Key here is to determine whether or not the costs outweigh the benefits or vice versa. The main areas or issues to consider include:
Access to Learning
Technologies can increase access to learning. For many adults, time and distance act as barriers to learning. Course material that is delivered fully by technology such as an online or videotape/workbook course can make it much easier for busy and/or distance students to learn at convenient times and places. This is commonly referred to as anywhere, anytime learning and is considered a major advantage to integrating technology into education. At the same time, not everyone has the necessary technology, particularly computers, to learn via these methods. Thus, the use of full-mode delivery mediums, without making in-class versions available, may actually decrease access for some learners.
Shifts in Teaching and Learning Approaches
Technology tends to promote a shift from teacher-centred classrooms (i.e., the instructor transmits information), to learner-centred classrooms (i.e., information is conveyed via technology). The role of the instructor moves from that of what has been referred to as "sage on the stage" to "guide on the side" or facilitator. The main advantage to this is that students become much more self-directed. They begin to set their own learning goals, seek out information on their own (referred to as discovery learning), interact independently with the equipment/programs, and so on. While this can be very motivating for learners and increase self-esteem substantially, at the same time there can be a loss of personal contact, support, and guidance. Not only is face-to-face instruction important for interpersonal reasons, but from an instructional point of view, abstract and/or complicated concepts may be more easily conveyed in person than in text. In addition, a live person can obviously respond more readily to questions and problems, offer encouragement, and so on. Optional - A videotape series regarding self-directed learning which has been digitized and converted to streaming video for the web. Viewing requires the Real Player plug-in and a working sound system on your system.
Learning Styles
Multimedia technology is engaging, interactive and incorporates a variety of approaches (e.g., modular or step-by-step courses, presentations, online conferencing, simulations, and so on). The advantage is that this can addresses diverse learning styles more fully and consistently than in traditional classes. A variety of learning styles can, of course, be accommodated without using multimedia technology. However, it requires that the instructor be knowledgeable about and have the necessary resources (e.g., time, materials) to address the different styles in his/her class.
Curriculum Development
In many cases technology can more easily be used to make learning more authentic; that is, tied to real world problems and applications. This is particularly suitable for adult learners whom research has shown prefer learning that is relevant and useful. Computers and the Internet promote discovery learning (i.e., learners seek out information rather than it being transmitted by the instructor). This in turn, can lead to the development of critical thinking skills, that is, the ability to collect, organize, analyze and apply information. However, layering technology over literacy curricula requires that practitioners understand both technology and curriculum development in order to create the best learning environment possible.
Access to Information
A wide array of information (e.g., text,
images, sound, people) is more easily accessed over the Internet than through
traditional classroom methods (e.g., library, field trips, having guest speakers,
hands-on demonstrations). For example, there are numerous free curricular
databases containing lesson plans,
many of which are theme-based.
Both practitioners and learners, however, must learn how to sift through and
evaluate information on the Web and this can be a daunting task since there
is so much information available, much of which is unedited or not reviewed
(in comparison to print-based educational materials such as textbooks).
Resources
There are many resources that are involved in acquiring and supporting technology, not the least of which are finances and the time/energy of staff. Many technologies are expensive and there is an ongoing need for funds/time to acquire, install, maintain and upgrade equipment/programs. At the same time, computers in particular provide programs with access to all kinds of free resources and quality learning experiences. For example, by using the Internet programs can take advantage of all kinds of free virtual tours or telefieldtrips rather than taking actual field trips, which take time, staff and money to organize and conduct. There are also many kinds of reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, encyclopedias), ebooks available free of charge. This will be discussed in greater detail in Module 2 when computer resources are explored more specifically.
Next
Section ( 1.4 )
this page was last updated 03/06/01