Good points, Salena. Technolgy remains the tool; students are users and teachers are the facilitators of that use.
What types of new skills does the use of new technology develop in students?
There are no special skills that one must possess. However, to understand and use technology one must enhance current skills to interface with technology. The computer is designed to be used without additional tools to operate. The computer designers simplified the design to allow the user to perform task with less time and effort and to reduce task specific mental processing. This indicates that a primary task a computer user must have is the physical ability to sit upright.
I had students that were legally blind, others were amputees from war; they used voice recognizing software to type and navigate. Other students were recovering from surgery; these students could not operate the compute unless they were reclined in bed or able to sit upright. In each case the ability to sit or recline in a upright position was critical.
A person of mental competency can learn to navigate to search web sites, word process, write and receive emails. However, the ability to mentally process text and convert what was reviewed into an action requires the brain to quantitatively analyze and place what was receives in a mental digital format; users then must convert what was received into a physical/mental process. The skills needed are more of a mental ability to accept interfacing with technology. Many people are still afraid of this concept.
To effectively use a tablet PC requires eye hand coordination and the memorization of functions to operate and initiate programs. This action creates a repetitive mental process; while the user is standing, walking or sit in a noisy environment. The ability to lockout ambient noise and concentrate on specifics task is a learn behavior; the user must enhance these skills.
If these skills are not developed the user will not effectively operate computer technology.
Good points, Walter. In addition, users of new technology in the learning process are developing skills of self-directed learning, innovation, networking, and application. We still value and reward the task result rather than the process to accomplish.
Technology has required students to develop the ability to communicate without being face-to-face with another person. It requires them to utilize and develop critical thinking and then apply what they have learned using the technology versus verbal communication.
This is going to be a challenge for all instructors. its is also going to be a challenge for the students at first. if the teamwork is there for the instructor staff and the students are willing i think it will be very good.
Brandon, to what are you referring when you say it will be a challenge for students at first...? The use of new technology or the development of new skills?
in our system that we devloping we will have web base training.the students will have learn how to be self directed so when they get to class they can function correctly.
To get use to the new technology at first.
How can students develop self-directed learning skills while still being led and guided by you, the instructor, Howard? What strategies do you use to accomplish this?
Brandon, could you expand on your comment for clarity?
In most instances, it gives the student more tools that they can use to learn the needed material as well as learn the needed skills to succeed in there field of study.
Can you be more specific on this, Donald? Which tools specifically and needed skills and how do these relate to actual technology use?
The use of new technology in teaching seems to make the students more self reliant. They have to do more research, maybe simply because the world is becoming more technolgy based all the time. The new skills developed include web base research, personal networking, and reading tech literature.
Instructors must be able to facilitate various delivery modes; be able to support and mentor with students to deliver the excellence in the learning environment.
I have found the same thing, they can not deal with people face to face.very sad.
How can this challenged be addressed by teachers, Allen? How can teachers focus on more general outcomes as well as the specific course outlines and still protect the rigor of the course?
Tablet PC's are a tremendous help involving students with their education.
Carla, can you develop this statement further? From your experience, how have you found the tablet technology helpful for students?
Skills that are new will better prepare the student for todays workplace as this is what they will see there.
They are better prepared for the work force. All in all, that is the trend in many businesses today. I see alot of the older students lost when they come in, and then are excited to know how much info is out there for them to access.
