The use of technology developes the skills of independence for learning, being able to communicate effectively with teachers, peers, and as professionals in their chosen careers.
Working in the Culinary Field there is very little new technology to work with in the class room. We rely on videos or Documentaries that we bring in to show newer tech equipment in the classroom.
Have you thought about expanding the idea of video capture to develop digital portfolios for culinary students of their work? They could capture, edit and narrate their own demonstrations both for class work and for Internet distriubtion beyond the classroom. This would enhance both the immediacy and the authorship of student work.
Can you be more specific, Dave? What kinds of skills are needed and that can be developed when using new technology?
Using the latest technology not only keeps our students up-to-date, but also gives them confidence. They know about the latest and greatest information that some of their peers may not. It gives our students an edge.
That's very true, Cindy, and I think the bigger challenge for instructors is to facilitate the use of technology in learning to the extent that students can be innovative and creative as well as accurate - this provides them a future relevancy even beyond the class.
Innovative skills are essential given the rapid changes in technology and the fact that it is now impossible to stay "ahead of the curve" in any real way. We can, however, develop the kind of technology users that can go on learning and using technology for themselves in various ways we might not even realize in a class setting.
It is very important to stay on top of the latest technology.So your students can leave the class room or lab with information that is up to date.
I think it develops critical thinking and analysis. In addition, many students pick up computer skills that they did not even know they were capable of, thus boosting their self esteem.
Yes, Rhonda. The use of technology can both support the learning process and teach technology skills at the same time. Given that reality, do you reflect that in your grading? Do you reward both outcomes?
Using technology gives students the ability to find and use information. Most of our library resources are accessed through computers. Getting students using and being comfortable with technology makes it possible for them to find ways to locate useful and meaningful information.
Yes, Julie, and it is the instructor's job to provide assignments and projects that maximize the use of new technolgy. Do you have any specific examples of how you have set up work for students that provides and encourages the use of new technology?
In one of my courses I teach basic computer use. This is one of the newest technologies that has not long been in our career field. Our field now heavily depends upon the use of computers. The majority of the students I teach have a computer knowledge that sometimes exceeds my own. I have found that many of my because of their previous knowledge do very well in this area. I assess much of their knowledge as I am going through the lecture asking specific questions about old and new computer technologies. I also assign a class computer project where the students must accomplish computer research, and show in a Power Point presentation, the different technologies available for use in our career field. The students love the outcome of this project. Each student is required show, share and discuss their Power Point presentation with the entire class.
Yes, good points, Mike. So, the reality is that "computer skills" are constantly changing and often what we think students should be able to do they already can :) Therefore, how can we value not only what they already know but assess new skills even beyond our own but relevant to the field? It seems to me that innovation is central to this question and is a skill that is essential for students to develop. Which other higher level skills do you also think students should develop?
Technology helps today’s students in a manner that they can access information they need at a finger on-the-go. Today’s student does not always need to be in the classrooms since most work can be done through the internet.
Indeed, John, this reality has already changed and will continue to change how education is delivered and completed. What do you think are the major kinds of instructional differences we will see?
The ability to access needed information almost instantly, and apply that information to problems they face in the workplace.
Yes, immediate access is a critical characteristic of new technology, Jonathan. How can the technology actually support application of that information to real problems? How much is still the job of the teacher?
Some of my students (older) are amazed of what new technolgy opportunity use means....just learning the equipment.
I think that technology encourages students to apply learning if the course is designed appropriately. For instance,in the medical field the use of simulations can be used to provide various patient scenarios to encourage students to apply what they have learned to intervene in various clinical situations.
So, Mitchell, are your students amazed at the technology itself or how it can support their learning? What is your persepctive as well - do older students benefit as much as younger students?
