Technology is changing education at all levels. I believe current trends and new directions in technology will disrupt the way teaching and learning occurs, especially in the University context. There are already a number of universities delivering courses online to massive groups of students. Peter Norvig, shown below, is one academic who has moved his traditional course online, and made a number of changes to the way material is presented.
Although some educators are nervous about technology as a driving force for change there are others who embrace the possibilities it allows, in particular for some minority groups. In the following TED clip the improvements that online education has given in some economically disadvantaged groups/countries are discussed. It really is uplifting to discover that students who would be unable to access education are now able to do so and work at developing their skills at home, with parents who have received little or no education. It is also exciting to see students motivated to learn because of technology.
It is suggested that EDUCATION + TECHNOLOGY = HOPE
Of course, it's not all that clear cut. There are the pros and cons of some of the changes that are occurring, in particular those in the university context. One of the issues for universities, is the viability of moving to online delivery due to cost. There is also concern about The future of higher education: How technology will shape learning.
There is no doubt in my mind that online university courses require a shift in focus and delivery. Traditionally the university course has been structured to include a lecture and tutorial. The lecture has been a one-directional presentation of key information delivered by a specialist/expert. The tutorial is usually a forum for group discussion and instruction. Online courses will provide short instructional and informative clips that aim to connect with students in a more personal manner. This will require lecturers to develop more succinct and innovative communication skills which suit the video medium. These lectures will be supplemented by online questions, quizzes, readings that require active participation by students. Tutorials will be more focussed on problem solving, collaborative activities which enhance and clarify the lecture and online content. (The flipped classroom).
These new directions in teaching will be underpinned by social constructivism, with the shift from control of knowledge to sharing of knowledge. This could be considered as revolutionary, in that interactive learning and peer assessment will be highly valued because of the understanding that peers can teach.
However, as Akins and Li (2005) suggest, I don't believe that we need to be concerned about academic employment. The role of the academic will change, that is true, but it will be a move towards the role of facilitator who is required to design a course which encourages interactive learning and guides students to a wider range of motivational and relevant information. This is a demanding task that does require a shift in approach but one that also needs the skills and knowledge of a teacher.
For reasons online university courses may not effectively be implemented click on
Akins, M. & Li, Q. (2005). Sixteen Myths about Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Do Not Belief Everything You Hear.
Filmed 2010 • Posted Jun 2010 • TED2010
Peter Norvig (2012): The 100,000-student classroom
Hello Della, Excellent to see you in the public space. I'd love to keep reading your thoughts over time! Your post reminded me to consider what I feel about future trends, and my long held dream that students are so busy doing the stuff of challenging, authentic learning, that there is buzz and excitement - and this word 'lecture' all but disappears. :-) Shannon
ReplyDeleteDella The Blogger...well done Della!
ReplyDeleteEDUCATION + TECHNOLOGY = HOPE I really loved that 'suggestion.' And I feel that is one huge advantage technology has brought. I think it's more that TECHNOLOGY = ACCESS. People now that once would not have been able to access education, have been welcomed to the online community and can share and exchange information. You can lead your own learning, with just a keyboard and internet access.
The social constructist in me plans on quoting your "the shift from control of knowledge to sharing of knowledge." I think teachers should have always facilitated learning, but that traditional role of the teacher really seemed to be about imparting knowledge and content, rather than enabling students to seek those things.
I think technology has opened up a really exciting era in education and learning. And it's great when you can see teachers, like you, embracing all there is to offer!