Dr. Ruth Reynard

Yes, Theresa, to the innovative and creative teacher there are ways to make even the most unlikely of technologies or hardware interactive for students. The interactive white board, however, provides a great place to meet teachers in a comfort zone and to also move the interaction with students and among students to a higher level. Good ideas!

Good discussion, Theresa. There are current studies in the area of cognitive science that examine exactly what you're referring to here...yes, there are differences to the ways in which people think, due to new technology. I also agree, however, that we do well to keep students within the continuum of social progression so that learning can be well situated in social interaction and application.

Yes, Bryan, and if this approach you describe is applied in any subject area, more students would feel empowered and not feel excluded from a subject area. For example, so many of us grew up feeling we "could't do math" rather than we couldn't find the right answer. The process in getting there required strengthening rather than so much focus on the end result.

Good points, Bryan. I agree with the lack of agility sometimes with the tools available for the interactive white board, however, also think that the level of interaction can be quite intense and effective. Of course, screen capture and share technology can also generate the same type of interaction, however, interactive white boards are a good place to start for more traditional instructors who "think" using a board and can still do that but include students along the way. The technology is also always being updated and will get better...

Thank you, Theresa. The problem with evaluating the process is that it takes longer and requires more detailed attention from the instructor. In larger size classes, this can be a problem, so instructors should set up systems of evaluation that do not totally depend on them. That is, various forms of evaluation along the way, so that the process can be truly evaluated and not just from the perspective of "the right answer". Great discussion!

Yes, perhaps one day, Donald, degrees/programs of study will be customized not only within institutions but across institutions more freely so that the strength of any program can be selected by the students, not packaged by the institution. That would be interesting...

Yes, which is why moving away form the teacher- source type of model to student-led will put the responsibility back on to the student to meet their own needs or at least do all they can in the process.

I agree, Donald. The capability to deliver content in various formats and modes is of course with us already...with the tablets, customization, collaboration, capture, and distribution is on a whole new curve.

Good points, Donald. I agree that the learning outcomes must drive the process...I think, however, looking at the skills that students develop while using new technology and the potential skills that could be developed, we may have to rethink and redirect some of the learning outcomes to be more holistic in concept.

Hi Theresa, Yes education should always be looked at form three different perspectives: teachers, students, and curricula (which includes mediative tool and technology). Thinking through this integrated lens helps to provide the various perspectives needed to truly deliver effective education and to eveluate well.