Dr. Ruth Reynard

Location: fayette, oh

About me

I founded a non-profit, Community Education for Development (CED) to focus on developing programs for communities in Fayette and Fulton Co OH that focus on education for development. The website is: https://www.comeddev.com/

I also work as a freelance education consultant and a second language evaluator. I enjoy publishing articles and editing publications. My website is: www.drruthreynard.com

Interests

instructional design and development and program development.

Skills

faculty training / writing / editing / teaching / curriculum development / instructional technology

Website

https://www.drruthreynard.com

Activity

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

The Effect of New Technology

...indeed, or to one form of input. Therefore, teachers are challenged to include various forms of "output" as well as students demonstrate their learning. That is, the form is not the focus but the skill or knowledge demonstration. This does not sit well with those who might see themselves as "purists" and, I would suggest we haven't really worked out how to evaluate a lot of these demonstrations of learning effectively. Have you included some evaluative changes based on student demonstrations of learning?

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

The Nomadic Learner

Excellent observations, Chris. I also think the idea of "home" itself has changed to where students don't feel drawn to anywhere in particular and will embrace any new web site, or resource that best supports their needs. This also challenges us as teachers to not even get too familiar or comfortable with one technology use :)

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

Technology Applications

Indeed it does, Chris. I love your distinction between finding information and learning new things. Once teachers can set themselves free from information control, they will be able to explore what it means to truly facilitate the learning process. How would you say this understanding has expanded your role as a teacher? Great discussion!

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

Internet Changes

I love yoru first point, Chrisopher, as it completely opens up the context of learning. Of course, as you sa,y flexibility is also a great benefit. How about what the Internet can actually do to expand and support the instructional process?

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

Blended Learning Opportunities

I agree, Christopher, that blended instructional design can help with the huge challenge of meeting the needs of diverse students. I like your point about time - often time is not intentionally built into a course by the teacher, and this kind of approach can also provide opportunity for the time necessary for each student to truly process the information effectively. Do you think there are additional considerations that teachers should take into account in addition to the instructional design in order to facilitate students taking the time they need?

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

Characteristics of Dynamic Learning Environments

Yes, Christopher, various learning styles and perferences of both teachers (who are also learners) and students can be addressed through the multitude of possibilities using new technology. How do you think this challenges current teaching methodology? How can techers ensure that the partnership is sustained throughout the process?

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

The Nomadic Learner

Great points, Guy. I like what you say about channeling the energy :) The thing is, what do you think teachers could do to create situations of learning within which students are required to use the same sort of energy in research, organization and application of the information to real contexts of use? Access to information is key, as you say, as is the design of assignments and coursework for students.

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

Blended Learning Opportunities

Hi Guy, yes, there are a variety of reasons why blended learning can either support or even hinder learning if it is not both planned well and facilitated well. In the course, there are various ways identified in which technology and teaching methods can combine to create a dynamic learning experience for students. It is not the blended form in itself but how it is designed and what is intended for students. In general, however, using various technolgy to mediate and deliver teaching and learning can create a more interactive and immediate experience for students. Can you see that in… >>>

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

Blended Learning Opportunities

Yes, Guy, the flexibility of this delivery mode allows many different learning needs to be addrssed as well as life challenges in scheduling. Do you think, however, that the blended learning modes of course delivery can also help make the learning more dynamic for students? If so, how?

Dr. Ruth Reynard

Discussion Comment

The Effect of New Technology

Very true, William, in that if an older method works as well as or better than a newer method using new technology. It can be assumed that older methods work better, but as instructors, we must continually explore better ways as we go.

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