How Should Colleges Be Teaching?

For many students, graduating from high school means heading off in short order to a residential four-year college or university to pursue higher education, a college degree, and – eventually – a career that will allow them to be a self-sustaining, productive member of society.  But as technology continues to reshape the landscape of education, many are beginning to wonder if the traditional brick-and-mortar colleges are the best way to serve the needs of the students.  The question becomes: how should colleges teach?  And how can they best serve the needs of all their prospective clients?  Is a physical college experience really the best way?  Or is there a growing place for digital learning in higher education?

We can consider two ends of the college education spectrum: traditional physical classes and online classes.  Each offers their own benefits and drawbacks, and each serves the needs of different types of students in specific ways.

Face to Face Courses

There are many benefits to traditional classes.  For a lot of students, the college experience is about more than simply taking classes.  The social experience can be as instructive as the classes in which one enrolls.  Brick-and-mortar colleges have the benefit of giving students the opportunity to spread their wings, living alone for perhaps the first time, managing their own affairs with less parental guidance (or interference) and opening a new world of opportunities through campus clubs and organizations.  Teaching via lecture in a physical classroom that meets are prescribed times can still incorporate a myriad of educational technology, but the structure of definitive classes is a necessity for some students who are still trying to learn to manage their own time and education.  Furthermore, the face-to-face interaction with the professor and the other students can provide both socialization and support for college students.

Online Courses

Not every student has the luxury of being able to afford to live on campus and attend college full-time.  Nor, in today’s flexible climate with people still chasing the American dream, are college rosters comprised solely of recent high school graduates.  In many situations, therefore, online education is an ideal opportunity.  Online colleges offer flexible schedules to accommodate other responsibilities and commitments, lower overall cost to students, and the ability to telecommute from wherever you are to whatever institution in which you wish to enroll.  With online educational portals such as BlackBoard, Moodle, and Google Classroom, it is easy to receive instruction, turn in work, and collaborate with the professor and other students through a digital medium.

Blended Learning

Of course, very rarely is there a one-size-fits-all best option for anything, least of all education.  Sometimes offering a mix of online and traditional classes can best meet the widest range of needs for the widest range of students.  Students can take physical classes during the regular semester and supplement their learning with online classes between semesters and during the summers, allowing them the freedom to work or intern while still earning credits and progressing through their education.  Letting students learn in different ways will accommodate their shifting needs throughout their educational pursuits.

Whether a college offers physical classes, online learning, or a mixture of the two, one thing is for certain: it is essential for professors to incorporate edtech in their teaching strategies.  From PowerPoints shown via projectors to Near Pod presentations sent remotely to students’ tablets or handheld devices, technology is a critical part of students’ education in the modern world.  Since most students attend college – either online or physically – in the hopes of settling into a lucrative career, it is essential that higher education students how to use technology to become more productive, to find the information they need, and to disseminate important information.  These are all technological skills that students will use in the real world.

Colleges should utilize technology to make education more accessible to more students.  Technology possesses the power to break down barriers, making education and achievement attainable even to those for whom it has always seemed out of reach.  The transformative power of technology is apparent in the ways in which it is improving the lives and opportunities of people throughout education.

5 Industries that Artificial Intelligence Will Disrupt

Can artificial intelligence disrupt certain industries? The answer, in short, is yes, but first, let’s take a look at what artificial intelligence is, and how it changes the world as we know it. Artificial intelligence is the development and ability of computer programs to complete tasks normally performed by people, such as speech recognition, language translation, visual perception, and even decision making. Artificial intelligence has the power to eliminate some jobs that are now being completed by people, but according to Connie Chan, artificial intelligence will also create jobs. Here are some industries that are being affected and or will be affected by artificial intelligence:

  1. Healthcare- One of the most immediate industries that are being affected and will continue to be affected by artificial intelligence is healthcare. Robots and computer programs are replacing personnel and staffing in doctors’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Robots and machines can manage patient wait-times, automate scheduling, and provide anesthetics to patients. Connie Chan in her article on artificial intelligence notes that anesthetics can even be given by machines with human monitoring. Additionally, on fowcommunity.com, Connie Chan states that advances are being made with regard to diagnosing illnesses. In the future, it is quite possible that computer programs will be able to diagnose as accurately, if not more accurately than people. Scary, or useful, we will let you decide!
  1. EdTech- Although robots and computer programs will not ever replace teachers, the EdTEch industry is also being significantly affected by the development of artificial intelligence according to Jeff Pruitt on com. Jeff Pruitt comments that it is becoming possible for students to be assessed through the use of machines. Some machines can read students’ emotions and expressions as well as report on students’ daily class performance. Advances in artificial intelligence also have the potential to affect the way we see test results, and how tests are scored. More and more exams can be administered online and as such, results can be given immediately to students. Some argue that automatic results are beneficial to the students, while others believe that online classes and testing are not ideal. Some education experts believe that online classes are not successful because students do not receive enough or any individual attention.
  1. Manufacturing- As we have already seen, machines are replacing blue-collar jobs across America. Manufacturing jobs are either being shipped out of America, due to the ability to pay foreign workers less or are disappearing because jobs are being replaced by robots. Connie Chan notices that assembly line jobs are disappearing because many of these jobs can be completed by robots and overseen by just one or two people. Assembly lines all over America are disappearing as robots are replacing the need for human workers in car factories, factories that produce electronics, and other assembly lines.
  1. Administration- All administration jobs will never completely disappear due to the development of artificial intelligence; however, some positions will disappear with the development of artificial intelligence. Some administrative and secretarial jobs are no longer needed because small and average-sized companies are using devices and even apps on their phone to track client appointments and schedules. Company executives and middle-level management can handle communication directly from their phones. Lynda Gratton of The Guardian comments, “Many medium-skilled jobs disappear as executives’ smartphones replace their secretaries and assistants.” For some companies, cutting costs including cutting secretarial services and other administrative jobs that they believe they can handle themselves or delegate to a part-time employee, rather than a full-time employee.
  1. Transportation- Approximately 50 years ago we believed that by the year 2020 everyone would be operating flying cars. Instead of flying cars being in our imminent future, automated cars that more or less drive themselves are on the horizon. Onde reports that one of the 5 million transportation enterprises entering the market each year. Self-driving cars are very likely in our near future, and although they would be very useful, they would also have the ability to greatly impact the future availability of jobs in the transportation industry.

Implications for the Future

As we progress into the 21st Century, artificial intelligence will only continue to develop and become more advanced. Although some jobs may disappear or be dramatically reduced from the job market other areas may develop and expand, such as jobs in technology, computer programming, engineering, and robotics.

5 Ways to Create a School of the Future

The fast-paced advances in technology, as well as the changes that we are experiencing in education, will create an entirely new vision for how schools in the future will appear and function. What is the future of education? What is a “school of the future?” How can we develop effective education strategies using our advancing technology to benefit our students? If you are interested in learning the answers to these questions, continue reading because this article will detail the answers to these questions.

  1. School Culture– According to Edutopia, New York’s “School of the Future” was successful for many reasons; one of those reasons was school culture. A successful school of the future needs to provide more than adequate time for professional development, teacher planning, and grade-level team meetings. By providing needed planning time and resources for professional development, teachers felt like they had sufficient time to prepare lesson materials. Educators also had the opportunity to collaborate and develop new ideas with other educators and staff members.
  1. Phenomenon Based-Learning- Phenomenon based-learning, as used in Finland, presents the idea that students should learn about real-world issues and topics, rather than simply individual subjects. Tan Wee Kwang who discussed the progress of Finland’s “schools of the future,” states that students can learn about topics such as the European Union, the body, and the environment. Within a given topic students can learn about multiple disciplines including various sciences, government, history, psychology and even math. By learning through discovering real-world contexts, and learning subjects within those contexts, we give our students the tools that they need to function in the real world. The last time I checked, I never needed to know how many sides a parallelogram has, except maybe when I am watching Jeopardy. Topics used in phenomenon-based learning can be on any world idea that is important and relevant such as how to make a budget, how to file taxes, or how to understand democracy.
  1. Encourage the Creative Use of Technology- Technology is, of course, playing a significant role in what “the school of the future” can look like. In an article originally posted in 1998 by Education World, the authors proposed that ten years later, technology and accessibility would be key to creating and developing schools of the future. They were right. Positive and prosperous schools are encouraging student growth and students’ development of critical thinking and logic and reasoning skills through the creative use of technology. Schools of the future will not only have access to technology but teachers will also give students projects and tasks that encourage students to think creatively. Students will learn through making use of technology to create their own media and perhaps, even online portfolios.
  1. Style and Format of Assessment- As used in Finland, student assessments in the “school of the future” focus more on the process of each student and less on the results of each student. Tan Wee Kwang notes that in early grades, students in Finland are given written feedback rather than the standard form of grading because written feedback can encourage students and assist them in their personal learning process. Sometimes grades can be discouraging, especially when students compare grades with each other. By using Finland’s model of modifying the way that grades are assigned and feedback is given, schools can better assist students in the learning process. They can help students focus more on their areas for improvement and less on a certain grade that they obtained.
  1. Bringing Real Life Experience into the Classroom- One school designed using the “school of the future” format in New York emphasized the importance of bringing real life experiences and knowledge into the classroom. The New York’s School of the Future website https://www.sof.edu/about/ discusses top ten facts about what is important to their “school of future.” These points include the significance of bringing real world ideas and problems to the classroom. Because teachers are not constrained by NY state’s curriculum guidelines, they have more freedom in their lesson planning, flexibility, and ability to teach “without the handbook.”

The concepts and ideas presented in this article regarding the “School of the Future” are just a few building blocks regarding what we believe can make a solid foundation for our future generations. Although standardized testing and learning methods are still important, sometimes these methods can reduce a teacher’s ability to be creative in the classroom. Additionally, standardized testing is not always an accurate measurement of students’ learning. We must acknowledge that there are, in fact, many ways to learn, and many ways to assess students’ learning. If the United States wants to work towards being on the top again in STEM subjects and all other areas, we should focus on expanding our vision for education in the future. By redefining our “schools of the future,” we redefine our education system, our value system, and our future as a nation.

 

 

How Technology Can Be Used to Create Better Assessments

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One of the many changes that students are experiencing is their ability to be assessed not only in the classroom but also online. Students of all ages can be tested and assessed through the use of online tools and assessments. In the 21st century, we are seeing a shift in views regarding how students can be tested and assessed based on their performances inside and outside the classroom. Students can also be assessed by creating and displaying their work online through social media, YouTube, and digital portfolios. Additionally, many university classes are encouraging and even requiring student contribution on online blackboards and forums. Regardless of the format of assessment, technology is becoming a critical part of learning as well as student performance. So, how we can use technology to create better assessments? Read on to find out.

MOOCs and Online Assessments

Online assessments of students’ performance are particularly common when students are taking MOOCs. When students take MOOCs (massive open online course), students’ work is both completed and assessed entirely online through the use of online platforms, discussion boards, quizzes, and other assessment types. Discussion boards are an excellent form of assessment because they encourage student dialogue and demonstrate what the student has learned through interactions with other students. They also pinpoint student’s areas of improvement. Discussion board and platforms can be used either as an aid to a regular face-to-face class or can serve as the primary format for a fully online class.

Students Can Create and Display Their Work Online

Students can also now utilize technology to create and post their completed work online. Susan Riley of educationcloset.com recommends that students share their completed work through social media, university portal log-ins, and discussion boards. Students can create their own media, which can be accomplished through the use of cameras and other audio-visual equipment. Students’ video, photograph, and audio assignments such as interviews, documentaries, and self-reflection pieces can be created just by using phone apps or a phone’s camera. Susan Riley even recommends that students use programs such as YouTube and Garage Band to develop and publish their own materials.

The technology of the 21st century is making it more and more possible for students to grow in multiple areas within one project through the use of technology. In one project, students may be asked to draw upon technology skills, understand and articulate the content area, provide self-reflection, and complete their own film or audio editing. Even simple blog posts can demonstrate student comprehension and teachers can assess students’ writing skills. Digital portfolios are yet another way that assessment of student work can be completed online. Creating a portfolio allows the student to demonstrate many if not all of their skills and can help them to become “work-ready.” Susan Riley additionally recommends using digital portfolios as a way to diversify assessment of student performance.

Online Programs for Foreign Language Learners

As the world becomes “virtually” smaller, our learners are also becoming more diverse. There is also a growing need and interest in online foreign language learning programs, which are now being used globally. Foreign language learning programs are available through apps for the iPad, iPhone, and or Android device. Online programs allow students to complete entire lessons online to either supplement course materials or to serve as a stand-alone assessment of student comprehension. Teachers can quickly and easily access student scores and results by logging into these programs and checking on student progress on websites such as “Tell Me More.”

Using Spreadsheet and Data Collection Programs

Another way that technology is benefiting teachers is through the use of Excel programs, spreadsheets, and automatic data collection completed by computer programs. Computer programs can compile and analyze student data and results, saving the teacher both time and resources. The Educational Broadcasting Cooperation comments that teachers can make use of technology to track student progress and improve their own performance and lesson plans. The internet, of course, can also be used to supplement and speed up the process of grading papers and other written work. Teachers can use online rubrics and automatic error-finding systems to ensure that they are fairly grading each and every students’ work.

Making Technology Work for Us!

Technology, when used correctly, can benefit our education systems, our teachers, and our students. It can benefit our students by encouraging them to use their critical thinking and reasoning skills, be more creative, and gain skills using the computer and other devices. Students can learn to present their own media projects online and or in front of their class. Technology not only encourages student growth but also makes it easier for teachers to grade and assess student work. Computer programs also make it easier for educators to have access to student work away from the office.

Lastly, discussions boards and other online platforms urge students to continue dialogues outside of the standard classroom. Educators can observe chat boards in order to understand what concepts need to be reviewed and or what concepts students are not grasping. The development of technology is not only advancing education, but is also altering the way we assess our students, and how fast assessment can be completed fairly.

 

 

 

 

 

Helping Teachers Use Technology and Technology Experts Teach

The Difference Between Teachers and Technology Experts

 Although many teachers now have grown-up in the technology age, many traditional or “old-school” teachers are still not feeling equipped to teach in the classroom of the 21st century. Teachers that earned their certificates in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and even the 90’s may or may not feel prepared to operate and utilize today’s education equipment in the classroom. From the replacement of chalkboards with smart boards to the use of iPads in the classroom with apps for learning in English, Math, Science, and many other areas, the advances in technology are taking hold in today’s classrooms. The question remains how do we educate our teachers on how to use the technology?

What Needs to Change

Despite the fast-paced advances in the development of technology, technology can be used well if the teachers are first educated on how to take advantage of the resources that they have available to them. Teachers do not only need fancy apps and computer programs, but they also need proper training, as well as simple devices with easy to use features, affordable gadgets and programs, and ongoing support.

  1. Include Teachers on the Decisions! – Teachers are not often included in the decision about what materials to purchase for their school and or how those materials will be utilized, but are expected to use them regardless. One of the biggest most common mistakes that increase the gap of comprehension between teachers and how to use their resources is that often teachers are simply handed a new program, device, gadget, or system, and are told to use it. Principals, executives, and other administrators make decisions about purchases but very rarely is teacher input included in the discussion. Open a dialogue about the needs of the educators before sliding the school board’s credit card across the machine.
  1. Provide Proper Training – Instructions needs to be provided to groups and or individual instructors as needed through multiple sessions of training before each product or program is introduced to the student body. How can we expect teachers that were not trained in the 21st century to understand how to implement programs and devices of the 21st century, without proper training? Training requires patience, professional trainers, and can even require one on one attention. If we expect our teachers to implement unknown technologies we have to offer adequate time, training, and attention to each teacher who may have questions about the functions of a new program.
  1. Purchase Simple Devices – Start from the understanding that not all teachers are automatically technology gurus. If a school, a university, or a community center is employing new technology in their programs and classrooms, they should not only talk to their educators and teachers before putting out the money for a complicated device, but also start with purchasing some basic programs, games, and apps that are easy to use. If a teacher is familiar and more comfortable with using a certain device, he or she will be more apt to use it, rather than leaving it on the shelf and collecting dust in the closet.
  1. Use Affordable Programs and Devices – Although it is true that many new technologies and devices are outrageously expensive, some start-ups are offering free apps and other programs to gain publicity and market their company. Make use of free and or low-costs devices and apps to reduce the schools’ costs and minimize teacher out-of-pocket expense. After all, not all school districts will have access to equal funds for implementing technology of the 21st century in the classroom.
  1. Offer Ongoing Support – Lastly, after a new program or device is introduced to the classroom, and all the teachers have received training, don’t assume that the teachers understand 100% how to use the technology. Provide ongoing support, training, and continuing education regarding the new products. The process of learning must start with the teachers, in order for the students to also effectively learn! As teachers always provide ongoing feedback, exams, and reviews for students, even technology experts, administrators, and trainees need to remain available to teachers to listen to feedback and provide additional instruction after the initial use of a product.

With the advancing technology age, efforts need to be made by both teacher and technology experts to meet in the middle. Just like we cannot expect technology experts to automatically become amazing teachers, we cannot expect our teachers to be immediately knowledgeable about how to operate a Smart Board or how to manage a class of students with iPads. By including teachers in the discussion about materials they need for the classroom, offering training and ongoing support, and using both simple and affordable gadgets and programs, teachers and educators will feel that their voice is being heard, and will be more motivated to learn how to use the technology in the classroom to the benefit of their students.

 

 

 

 

How to Choose the Right Digital Learning Device

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Choosing the right digital learning device can be tricky. As more schools go one-to-one, offering every student a computer or tablet, they are faced with the difficult choice of picking one device that will work for all purposes. It can be tough to find a device that is tough enough to withstand everything students will throw at it, is easy to carry around, and can do everything teachers and students need it to do.

Ultimately, there is no one right digital learning device for every school. But there are some basic guidelines that schools can follow to help them choose the right digital learning device for their needs.

Elementary Schools (K-5)

For elementary schools, the biggest challenge is finding a device that will stand up to everything a Kindergartener might do. Even the best-behaved young children are prone to dropping and breaking things.

There are tablets made specifically for younger children, but they’re not perfect. Many of these kid-friendly tablets are limited in functionality. They may come with only a select few apps and have less than optimal processing power and speed.

Many elementary educators prefer to simply to get a tablet with a case that can withstand being dropped and thrown around. Otterbox cases are popular among educators and are not only drop-proof but also water-resistant.

Another concern with younger students is usability. Laptops or Windows tablets may have too many options. Students can easily change settings they shouldn’t or have trouble operating their device. iPads are popular among elementary teachers for this reason. They’re easier to use, and Apple products are well-known for being difficult to infect with viruses.

On the other hand, Apple products are also known for being more expensive. Public schools are on a tight budget, and an iPad for every student might not be feasible.

Secondary Schools (6-12)

Students in middle and high school have distinctly different needs when it comes to selecting the right digital learning device. They need more powerful devices that can run a wider variety of programs. They’re also less likely to break devices, though durability is still a concern.

Secondary students are also learning more digital skills, such as programming, animation, and photo and video editing. It’s important to have a device that can handle all of this and more. However, big and bulky laptops can be difficult to manage and carry around. For this reason, all-in-one devices like the Google Chromebook or Microsoft Surface are popular in secondary schools. These devices have the power of a computer but are slim and portable like a tablet.

Like iPads, however, all-in-one devices can be pricey. Laptops are a less expensive option. For the price of a tablet, schools can get a laptop with significantly more processing power. If portability isn’t a concern, such as in a school where the devices will stay in one classroom rather than moving with students to each class, then laptops are a good choice.

Whichever device you choose, the important thing is how its used. Digital learning devices work best when they allow students to do things they couldn’t do otherwise. This might mean working on digital literacy, learning high-tech skills, or creating digital art. Any device that a school purchases for students should enable them to do these things, not just act as a high-tech way of doing the same old things teachers have always done.

Schools must choose the digital learning device that works best for their needs and population. The right digital learning device can completely transform the way students learn and teachers teach.

Which digital learning devices do you prefer? Tell us about your experience with choosing the right digital learning devices.

How Can You Take the Distance Out of Distance Learning?

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Distance learning has provided thousands of students the chance to increase their knowledge on a chosen subject in an accessible and flexible way. During the fall semester of 2014, 5,750,417 students in the U.S. were enrolled in a postsecondary distance learning course. It is clear that distance learning creates opportunities for young adults and professionals that previously weren’t available. However, while students often praise the flexibility of distance learning, they also comment on the isolation that distance learning students can experience.

The development of edtech has created new means of communication that can help to bridge the gap between distance learners. Communication technologies that are now often used in the workplace can also be implemented into a distance learning course to offer more and more ways for students and teachers to communicate in real-time. Though educators about to embark on a distance learning course may feel unsure as to how they can create a sense of community for their students, there are steps and considerations that can be taken to help close the distance in distance learning.

First Impressions

As with all learning communities, it’s important to make a good first impression with your students or fellow classmates. In a physical classroom, teachers can implement ice breaker activities or introductions to make students feel more at ease. Teachers beginning a new distance learning course can achieve this by creating a multimedia introduction for their students. This allows students to get to know their instructor and will can them feel more comfortable in contacting the instructor should they need support. Students can also be asked to provide personal introductions for the class. This eliminates any feeling of communicating with anonymous online users. The ways in which teachers can achieve this are numerous though the technology needed is very basic: a smartphone or webcam and perhaps a video editing program. Ask students to get creative and see what they come up with.

Social Media

The problem with using traditional emails to keep your students up-to-date is that many people neglect or overlook emails in their inbox. On the other hand, 1.15 billion people log onto Facebook mobile daily. Social media tools like Facebook are a familiar form of communication for students that can be used for quick troubleshooting questions, general announcements or mutual support. Creating a page or group chat for a course is quick, easy and effective.

Google Apps

Many edtech savvy classrooms now use Google apps as the basis of their communication and collaboration in the classroom. However G Suite for education can perhaps be used to an even greater advantage with distance learning courses. Providing a communal learning space, albeit virtual, Google Suite includes apps such as Classroom, Drive and Docs. Google Classroom supports lesson planning, assignments, feedback and progress tracking all in one place. Docs allows collaborative editing of documents in real-time that can help to create a sense of teamwork between distance learners. Hangouts means face-to-face interaction and Vault allows efficient archiving of old material for all learners to go back and look at anytime. G Suite provides a complete classroom management system that can be accessed by all parties anytime, anywhere.

Focus on Feedback

Classroom feedback is a key tool for teachers who are looking to review course content and the progress of the course participants. While getting quick feedback from students can be done easily and efficiently in a physical classroom, it often proves difficult in a virtual one. Whether students feel uncomfortable speaking up about a problem they’re having or teachers neglect to create a time and place for student feedback, lack of opinion can cause issues with the flow of communication. Distance learners are much more likely to disengage if they feel unsatisfied. Online polling tools such as PollEverywhere allows teachers to create opportunities for instant feedback in a variety of formats. Ask a question, students reply in real-time using smartphones social media or the internet and responses can then be tracked instantly on the web either anonymously or not.

While distance learning is often a worrying concept for sociable students and teachers alike, there really are a plethora of tools at your disposal. Closing the distance in distance learning has never been so easy.

5 Ways That Technology Can Expand Creativity in Higher Education

Discovering Ways To Link Technology and Creativity

 Creativity has always been a part of a successful classroom, however recent advances in technology are making it possible to increase the ability for students to use their creativity in academia. With the ability to take and store thousands of pictures and videos, and listen to music in the palms of our hands, our students have the ability to be more and more creative in their projects, assignments, as well as group and individual tasks. As universities are encouraging the expansion and use of technology in the classroom, many professors are also encouraging the development of their students’ creative minds.

  1. Getting Creative Through Photographs and Video Projects

One way many professors and teaching assistants are using technology to help students get creative is through the use of devices and media that students already have! Almost all, if not all of today’s students have access to a photo and or video recording device. Professors can use digital media in projects for their students, regardless of the subject. By asking students to step outside their comfort zone and produce their own piece of media, we are asking students to be creative, to think in a variety of ways, and to apply their learning through the use of technology. Nicole Flynn writes on Cielo24 that the concept BYOD (or bring your own device) to class will increase the concept that students can use technology to enhance their own learning. The BYOD idea will likely take hold immediately within the next one to two years, states Nicole Flynn.

  1. Innovation and Creative Design in STEM Subjects

 In STEM subjects, the use of technology and the need for creativity go hand-in-hand. Technology provides the opportunities for learners of STEM students to be more creative than ever before. Students have the opportunity to build virtual models of their devices, programs, robots, and other gadgets. According to Meghan Cortez, of EdTech Magazine, technology has enabled engineering students more opportunities than ever before to create and innovate. In the future, we can look for advances in robotic technology through “Generation Z,” the name of our current generation growing up with technology. The article “Technology Can Help Expand Creativity,” discusses how Generation Z students believe that learning to use technology in a creative way is essential to being career-ready.

  1. Video Game Design, Film Animation and Media Development

As professors are being given more freedom in the classroom to design lessons, learning materials, and assignments, professors are also able to encourage and support students in the dual use of technology and creativity, according to Norman Jackon. Technology is also advancing growth in the gaming industry, as technology related to game design and program development is developing at a rapid pace. Video game design students, computer programming students, and students are able to access today’s technology and information about programming to create and innovate new ideas, games, and solutions to every-day problems. In game and software development, technology thrives where creativity is present, and vice versa; creativity thrives where technology is present.

  1. The Makerspace Movement: Changing Our Creative Spaces

Another way that technology is changing our classrooms in universities and colleges is the recent trend called Makerspaces. Makerspaces are designated spaces in libraries, in labs, on college campuses, and in other learning centers for artisans, scientists, and learners to engage using given space, materials and supplies. Makerspaces, according to Nicole Flynn, will become a significant part of the learning process in academic spaces within the next three to five years. Makerspaces will provide space for students and teachers to collaborate and learn by engaging with building materials such as advanced 3D printers and laser cutters and even simple tools such as plywood, a hammer, and nails.

  1. Encouraging Ideas and Growth Through Social Media

Social media is also encouraging creativity among our current generation of students. Through social media programs such as Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram, students are combining technology with inspiration, to create a wealth of resources and information available globally. Students in higher education are able to innovate, engage in online discussions, and share creativity through social media platforms. Through these platforms students can share ideas with each other, collaborate, and keep even their professors on their toes!

Regardless of the types of media that professors introduce, and students suggest, use, and implement, technology is taking hold in our universities to expand opportunities for the use of creativity inside and outside the classroom. Often times students can contribute new ideas to discussions and development regarding creative design, STEM learning, robotics, film animation, game design, and other arts. As we advance into the 21st Century, we are all learners. We can all make use of both the left and right sides of our brain to advance the technology we already possess by using our creativity.

 

 

 

 

 

Personalized Learning Should Start in Libraries

Can a library be the perfect place for personalized learning? We believe the answer is yes. Libraries offer endless resources, space for learning, and individuals who are ready to assist students in the learning and research process. Sometimes when professors’ office hours do not line up with students’ schedules, we often forget, that librarians are here to help us too! That’s why we have libraries and librarians! Even if we think it is intimidating to approach a librarian, it should not be, because they are the experts in libraries! Not only are librarians available to assist us, but they are also available to teach us how to use the resources that the library has to offer.

Libraries can and should be the best place for individualized learning as we progress into the 21st century. The development and accessibility of online resources, as well as the recent trend in creating Makerspaces in libraries, are two examples of how libraries provide the perfect space for personalized learning. Libraries also provide the resources, the professionals, and the opportunities for all kinds of personalized learning. In this piece, I will explore the reasons why libraries are the perfect starting point for personalized learning.

Availability of Resources in Libraries

Once upon a time, I found a book on a shelf using the Dewy Decimal System. The library either had a book I needed, or it didn’t. Sometimes the library could order a book from a neighboring library, but ordering a book or resource was often a long and painful process. You could wait four days or even two weeks to receive a material that you needed immediately for a class project. Now, however, libraries have changed; libraries can request and receive access to an online book or resource immediately for a student. Libraries are making use of every available technology and resource. According to Meris Stansbury of eSchoolNews, we can increase personalized learning through the acquisition and use of online tools. We no longer need to wait a week to receive a book that we need for research, as it is often available to us at our fingertips!

Schools are the Founding Blocks for Excellent Libraries

We can probably agree that the way students are learning today is totally different from even just ten years ago. School administrations are also changing the way they urge students to learn, and libraries are changing alongside the changes in schools. In one New Jersey school district, administrators, Ross Kasun and Pamela Haimer presented students with “the marshmallow challenge,” where students had 18 minutes to develop the tallest structure possible using only rope, a single marshmallow, spaghetti, and tape. We are entering an age when we are urging students to think and act creatively. In order to engage in the creative process, libraries are providing those needed spaces.

Makerspaces and Spaces for Learning

A recent trend in libraries is the development of so-called “Makerspaces” in libraries, which are exactly what the name sounds like. Spaces to make things. Spaces to develop, think, create, and share. Libraries are becoming Makerspaces, regardless of whether or not the original intention of the library was to create a Makerspace. As the world’s views and pedagogies regarding the use of the library changes, so do our views of even how library space should be used and look. Makerspaces strongly encourage learners to use their available tools and space to communicate and collaborate with their peers. In Makerspaces we are expanding learning and creating new solutions to real-world problems. Sometimes students’ work can even be displayed in the library, says Meris Stansbury of eschoolnews.com.

The idea of what a library is supposed to be is slowly changing altogether. There was also once a time when libraries were meant only to be places for quiet independent study. Libraries are now encouraging more teamwork, group study, and collaboration. As we begin to foster and support the development of group learning, we are also encouraging personalized learning. When students are not afraid to raise their voice “above a whisper” in the library, they may be more confident in seeking guidance from their fellow peers, research assistants, librarians, and other professionals. According to Tara Garcia Mathewson of educationdive.com, personalized learning and instruction is the key to assisting students. This can be accomplished through the use of personalized spaces for learning such as Makerspaces.

Libraries Can Track Students’ Data

Another way that libraries can serve as centers for personalized learning is through data collection. Meris Stansbury states that libraries can utilize databases to follow work completed by students, alongside the assistance of librarians. Libraries now have the ability to track students’ research as well as study patterns and habits. Libraries are gaining and developing unique insight into the individual needs of their students, and certainly the needs of the entire student population, by tracking student data.

Conclusion: Looking into the Future

As educators and learners alike look into the future of learning we can recognize and identify that schools and school administrations can begin the process of individualized learning by encouraging creative thinking. Personalized learning will also increase the development of students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills. Libraries can build on opportunities for students’ personalized learning options by capturing student data, assisting students with projects, providing resources, technology, and the needed space for collaboration as well as independent study.

 

 

 

 

How Should Colleges Teach?

pass or fail

For many students, graduating from high school means heading off in short order to a residential four-year college or university to pursue higher education, a college degree, and – eventually – a career that will allow them to be a self-sustaining, productive member of society.  But as technology continues to reshape the landscape of education, many are beginning to wonder if the traditional brick-and-mortar colleges are the best way to serve the needs of the students.  The question becomes: how should colleges teach?  And how can they best serve the needs of all their prospective clients?  Is a physical college experience really the best way?  Or is there a growing place for digital learning in higher education?

We can consider two ends of the college education spectrum: traditional physical classes and online classes.  Each offers their own benefits and drawbacks, and each serves the needs of different types of students in specific ways.

Face to Face Courses

There are many benefits to traditional classes.  For a lot of students, the college experience is about more than simply taking classes.  The social experience can be as instructive as the classes in which one enrolls.  Brick-and-mortar colleges have the benefit of giving students the opportunity to spread their wings, living alone for perhaps the first time, managing their own affairs with less parental guidance (or interference) and opening a new world of opportunities through campus clubs and organizations.  Teaching via lecture in a physical classroom that meets are prescribed times can still incorporate a myriad of educational technology, but the structure of definitive classes is a necessity for some students who are still trying to learn to manage their own time and education.  Furthermore, the face-to-face interaction with the professor and the other students can provide both socialization and support for college students.

Online Courses

Not every student has the luxury of being able to afford to live on campus and attend college full-time.  Nor, in today’s flexible climate with people still chasing the American dream, are college rosters comprised solely of recent high school graduates.  In many situations, therefore, online education is an ideal opportunity.  Online colleges offer flexible schedules to accommodate other responsibilities and commitments, lower overall cost to students, and the ability to telecommute from wherever you are to whatever institution in which you wish to enroll.  With online educational portals such as BlackBoard, Moodle, and Google Classroom, it is easy to receive instruction, turn in work, and collaborate with the professor and other students through a digital medium.

Blended Learning

Of course, very rarely is there a one-size-fits-all best option for anything, least of all education.  Sometimes offering a mix of online and traditional classes can best meet the widest range of needs for the widest range of students.  Students can take physical classes during the regular semester and supplement their learning with online classes between semesters and during the summers, allowing them the freedom to work or intern while still earning credits and progressing through their education.  Letting students learn in different ways will accommodate their shifting needs throughout their educational pursuits.

Whether a college offers physical classes, online learning, or a mixture of the two, one thing is for certain: it is essential for professors to incorporate edtech in their teaching strategies.  From PowerPoints shown via projectors to Near Pod presentations sent remotely to students’ tablets or handheld devices, technology is a critical part of students’ education in the modern world.  Since most students attend college – either online or physically – in the hopes of settling into a lucrative career, it is essential that higher education students how to use technology to become more productive, to find the information they need, and to disseminate important information.  These are all technological skills that students will use in the real world.

Colleges should utilize technology to make education more accessible to more students.  Technology possesses the power to break down barriers, making education and achievement attainable even to those for whom it has always seemed out of reach.  The transformative power of technology is apparent in the ways in which it is improving the lives and opportunities of people throughout education.