Dr. Ruth Reynard

Excellent points, Andrea. The blended delivery designs maximize both the self-directed aspects of online as well as the interpersonal aspects of F2F. Both can be immediate, however, each should augment the other rather than become counter-productive.

I agree, Andrea, that as technology continues to evolve some become redundant or replaced by more efficient devices. Also like the I-Pad vs the laptop. What is important as teachers is to understand what the capabilities are of each technology so that we don't just use or stop using technology without a clear understanding of the learning outcomes and how the technology can help support and mediate the learning process through which those outcomes are achieved. Good points...

Great, Kristin - yes, the focus on process means that applications of the process can change as students learn to problem solve adequately. This also encourages critcal thinking and "quick" thinking, which is invaluable for ongoing learning and successful employment.

Yes, Kristin, and now with Twitter and texting, students have even more ways of communicating with each other and publishing and networking ideas. Therefore, it is a question of which tool is most accessible to the students and which supports the learning outcome best. There may be even more than one tool used in a course for these purposes. My sense is that current students don't mind the variety of tools but what has not changed is the need for intentionaly and purpose in their use.

Yes, good points, Kristin. There are obvious differences in connectivity that would really challenge some teachers. I know myself that I am connected to various groups of students and colleagues all day and night. There are ways of still managing that, however, so that you can still "have a life"!! I do think, though, that the idea of "office hours" whether actual or virtual seem unnecessary and it is more a question of personal management than anything else. What ideas do you have for managing student access for yourself?

Kenny, I love the "bore and snore" description of lectures - what an image!! Yes, I agree, the potential now for full engagement and interaction is there, however, there still has to be a reason or purpose to the learning - content and instructional design are crucial to this.

Indeed, Christina, which means that everything else comes second to the actual learning process of the student. This is difficult for those teachers who are bound to content or on one input tool or method. Being varied and flexible as a instructor means that more students will succeed. Good comments!

Yes, Marilu, and how do you think you can best evaluate the learning process? How can assignments and tests be created and designed to include and demonstrate the learning rather than a simple response? It is quite a challenge and I would love to hear ideas from some on this thread about how they have been able to accomplish this successfully.

Wikis and Blogs can also help students find their individual "voice" in learning, Marilu. That is because the environments are immediate and based on continual publication of ideas and thoughts. These can be used not only to help students learn how to collaborate with others but also to find and develop their own individuality within the learning community. Great tools!

Indeed, Marilu. Information is all around and easily available to most students. It also means that we become (as teachers) only one resource in the mix. That resource is, however, vital to the learning process - to move information to knowledge requires guidance, experience, and application. Teachers who realize this can prepare assignments and work that moves students towards knowledge, rather than simply keep them surrounded by information. This also requires innovative methods of evaluation, as we also discuss in this course. The actual learning process becomes front and center of the evaluation. Good discussion...