Dr. Ruth Reynard

I agree, Kavita. The tablets are also changing and are bringing more touch-screen technology to the fore. This will provide for increasing rapidity of response and self-directed learning choices from the learner. This, of course again brings huge challenges to current teaching methods and advances instructional support from facilitation and intervention to constructive learning partner.

I really agree with your comments here, Bryan, particularly about "hiding". A huge benefit to any Internet-based learning environment is the "published" nature of everything that happens. Students can be recognized immediately and, therefore, missed when not there very quickly. Additionally, everything that is posted or exchanged is a published voice of the student. This really helps to raise confidence levels of students and to encourage students to see themselves as important contributors to the process.

Indeed, Kavita. The technology provides mobile access and students have the benefit of engaging in learning communities that are not defined by space or conventional course confines. The challenge, of course, is for instructors to begin to understand the implications of this reality both on instructional design and course delivery.

Yes, Tricia, and another very important reality is that information and, therefore, potential course material and content is already available to students outside the class. When instructors integrate this reality into their instructional design, nothing is then locked into the parameters of class time, but is truly accessible and available in many different formats and from various sources. This redefines passivity and activity in the learning process.

Indeed, Alicia, the flexibility of time and space is great for students and the permanent nature of digital capture and distribution. It also makes modifications much easier for instructors.

Great comments, Alicia. Yes, I agree that there are enough nomadic characteristics of the younger generation of students to warrant the title.

Yes, Tricia, and the great thing about the Internet is the self-authoring capability. That is, not only can you, as an instructor, incorporate videos from YouTube (which is current and interesting to students) but students can also create and publish their own videos on YouTube for use in the course and beyond.

Great points, Angela! ...and this can move the students closer to actual knowledge construction rather than simply information sharing - that is, building on ides and modifying ideas towards new knowledge.

Good points, Angela. Yes the interactive white board encourages participation where "in the old days" we were passive in the process for the most part :) It also provides opportunity for capture and distribution of files which takes the learning beyond the classroom into the online context.

Hi Angela, Yes, I agree and I would suggest that the level of critical thinking also depends on the instructional design which would intentionally plan for supported learning and problem solving assignments to assess critical thinking skills. In other words, the technology can facilitate the process, however, the skill development is a planned and intentional process of teaching and learning.