Dr. Ruth Reynard

It is important, Theresa, for everyone to be met where they are in the learning process and for instructors to coach students along and for students themselves to coach each other along so that all the learning necessary can take place. The blended instructional design, when done well, provides a great balance of self-directed and class-directed progress.

Yes, Bryan, there are changes needed for every aspect of teaching and learning - changes for teachers, course content, mediation tools, and student response and ongoing work. The teaching and learning process today is much more complex than it ever was and requires a mindset of ongoing learning for both teacher and students. Good points...

Great points, Teresa. There are many students, otherwise marginalized, who now have a chance to learn and there are also increasing opportunities for instructors to learn to teach to all students, whatever their life situation or challenges - teaching students they may never otherwise have had the opportunity to teach.

I agree, Teresa. There are many benefits for students who may fear technology somewhat and, I would suggest, for faculty too - for the same reasons :) The main challenge to faculty is the pedagogical shift and this is a way for them to transition.

I agree, Alicia. The visual reinforcement of the collaborative process as well as the digital capture of it enriches teaching and learning incredibly.

Yes, Alicia, innovation is a key characteristic of new technology users and even teachers and students. New technology is so flexible and ubiquitous that more and more uses and applications can be developed by frequent and diverse explorations and innovations. Good point!

I like your focus on the outcomes, Kavita, in determining which technology to use. There is a Smart Symposium which is like an interactive tablet that makes things a little faster but, I agree, if you don't have things already prepared, it is sometimes easier to simply write on a board :) Of course a regular board cannot capture and distribute information and work as a smart board can, so again, outcomes should drive the tool use.

I love it! My experience with Wikis, Samia, is that they work well to engage students and to encourage students to form their own "voice" within a course or subject area. The challenge is for instructors to stay with the process and keep moving students forward in their learning rather than simply present a Wiki and leave the students up to it. It takes full engagement from the instructor as well.

Indeed, Samia, and it is so important for instructors to be committed to the development and support of those communities in order for the process to be both successful and valued.

Hi Kavita, Yes, and often because instructors do not make the necessary changes to their methods and delivery choices, technology remains sidelined and perceived as "busy" work to students rather than a tool that helps their learning process succeed.