Many school environments do not welcome or even do not authorize using social media in the classroom, yet the use of social media could be a very effective tool to impart knowledge and introduce creative discussion of the topics included in a course’s curriculum. As a teacher, I understand how beneficial the interaction brought about by establishing such connections with outside sources could be to promote knowledge acquisition and encourage class participation. Even in a ESOL class, in which sometimes there is resistance to speak English due to shyness or fear of making mistakes, a contact with outside speakers could overcome their hesitancy and motivate them to engage in discussing topics of mutual interest. This could be a way of convincing conservative school authorities to allow the use of social media in the classroom. Philip Cunill

I have been adding more technology to power point by adding videos of medical assisting procedures. Students are able to view the procedures numerous times to improve performance.

This class will prove useful for myself and the students.

As a Biology Instructor, I have found that PBS Video (specifically Frontline, NOVA, and Nature) are excellent teaching tools when discussing how topics in Biology affect us on a daily basis. It provides students with an opportunity to witness audio, visual, and current events all at the same time. In my class, I usually assign a "Video Synopsis" where a student is required to write a two-page summary on the plot of the movie and on criticisms and reactions. Additionally, as an English Instructor I found that some students who are struggling with grammar, spelling, and punctuation can work on MyWritingLab. This resource allows students to take virtual quizzes, listen to audio recordings, and practice their textbook problems from the comfort of their homes. The result is an increase in student performance and confidence.

The academic institution where I teach is comprised of a chain of for-profit technical colleges throughout the Southern United States. If there was ever a need for instructors to come together and hash out new teaching strategies or tips for classroom management, this is all made possibly through videoconferencing. Schools can save money and will have an opportunity to team up with colleagues who show great promise in their classrooms and with their curriculum.

At my institution, online instructors are expected to host discussions using discussion boards as part of the required attendance of each student. Students must create a post themselves and then reply to posts from three other students. This back-and-forth interaction creates camaraderie, fosters teamwork, and promotes active engagement with the course material.

Over the past few terms, I have noticed an increase in student understanding and retention when it comes to properly dissecting frogs. The idea of using a virtual biology lab came to me after I noticed that students struggled to identify the major organs of the frog system simply based on lecture notes. By requiring the completion of a virtual lab prior to the actual lab (in-class using real tools) it reaffirms to each student their own comprehension. Students show more enthusiasm and energy when they arrive to class and are ready to go. Technology and Biology make an excellent pair for college learners.

Not considered here, I like the concept but it may take years to incorporate this into everyones everyday learning.

Introducing new technology initiates student interest.

Co worker turned me on to quiz star after taking this module and after using two classes as a beta test, the students love it. Easy to use and set up, can add media. I use it for short quizzes after every day of lecture. Unanticipated benefit is competition between students taking quizzes and discussions concerning quizzes. Highly recommend quiz star. Other instructors are now using and in time the students will taking quizzes on quiz star from their first class to their last.

After incorporating an interactive presentation on powerpoint, it failed during lecture. Turned out that IT had updated the classroom computers which in turn removed all hyperlinks. this has happened on several occasions with video and other presentations that were meant to be interactive. I have found that links directly to web sites are often lost and so are no longer used. I am not opposed to technology in the classroom, quite the opposite but I wonder how others are dealing with constant issues in regards to the reliability of the new technologies. I only bring it up because I have not seen anything on the subject yet, and it's the only thing that truly frustrates me about the topics discussed in this class.

Whenever I can bring technology into my classroom I never miss the chance. My students can't get enough. The major textbook publishers now provide many interactive CD's and online labs.

Why is copyright such a tricky topic? Fair use for for educational purposes should be a save ground with clearly stated limits but it is not. The law is very imprecise on this and educational institutions have to be very careful because prestigious university and college libraries have had copyright infringement issues. For example, the amount of material that the students are allowed to copy is not specifically limited and there are many possibilities in between the extremes of copying an entire textbook from their school library (not fair use) and photocopying only a chapter (fair use).

I use a lot of power points in class lecture but I use them simply to propmt what I want to say rather than reading to my students. I also add a lot of pictures for visual learners.

I am uncomfortable using technology in front of class and always ask for assistance getting started. Should I have a cheat sheet for all the different technology devices we have?

Digital books are great for those learners that like to scan the material before reading it. They are also very helpful to find specific answers to questions.

Instructor forums in the industry are a great way to support one another in challenges with teaching. Student success can be promoted by joining these forums.

A class wiki seems to be a comfortable place for the student to go. It might be a less formal setting, but we also must be careful with information in this setting.

Putting technology into practice and repeating its uses during tasks makes it familiar. When a student reaches that point it builds confidence with new technologies.

In order to meet our emerging tech savvy student population, it is important that we engage and modify our instructional approach to these new learners and the avenues of receiving information. What have you done to connect and provide instruction to these new learners?