Dr. Ruth Reynard

Well said, Donald! Yes, technology provides various tools and environments within which learning can take place. The choice, however, must be tied to the outcomes of a course rather than simply because a new technology is available. The challenge to instructors, however, is to keep on a learning curve as far as technology is concerned so that new tools can be explored on an ongoing basis.

I agree, Donald. More often than not, however, we evaluate tasks rather than process. So students could actual be involved in an excellent learning process but may not quite complete a task "correctly", therefore, they lose all points rather than receiving a percentage of the points.

Hi Donald...check out Web3 in this regard. An attempt to create more meaningful and efficient (also productive) access to web content. It's still emerging but it will be interesting to see where it goes...

I really agree, Diane. There are all sorts of opportunities for students to develop research skills, and other higher order thinking skills if instructors integrate the kinds of uses you describe. Again it is vital for instructors to be intentional about technology use and designing that use to facilitate and achieve the learning outcomes of the course.

Good points, Tami. The language used in most current exchanges is communicative rather than academic which means there is a lot of challenge to the instructor to encourage student interaction but at the same time keeping focused on the academic language development of their students.

Yes, Tami, these are very true characteristics of today's learners. The challenge for the instructor, then, is to remember this when designing a course and delivering course content.

Thank you for the comments, Alex, and an insight to the tools you use to heighten interactivity for your students. I would add one more aspect of interaction and that is between student and content. Effective instructors provide many opportunities for students to interact with course material (content) and with other students, with the instructor and even with their own thoughts through self reflection. This host of interactive opportunities truly enriches the learning experience for the students.

In fact, I would suggest that is a huge challenge for many instructors - getting past the regular confines and constraints of course content to extend beyond both in delivery of content and inviting input from students. Good ideas, Diane.

Yes, Jolly and Diane, yet it remains one of the most underused technology available as many instructors still seem to prefer captive/static boards. As usual the biggest challenge remains teacher preparation and technology support, not the technology itself.

Hi Diane, Yes, there are white boards totally online and also physical white boards in classroom spaces. The basic concepts of use are the same and the challenges are the same to both teachers and students. This technology has the potential to support a high level of interaction and participation if used well by the instructor.