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Feb 8th, 2006
Okay students, perhaps you've noticed how you're able to get your professor to roll her eyes, or pull out tufts of his hair in frustration. (Or, make them beam in admiration!) But did you know you also have the power to make them change their method of instruction?
Consider the cases popping up all over in response to the mega wave of online courses, and classroom courses that utilize large amounts of computer technology.
From eSchool News:A new survey of teachers and instructors at the high school and post-secondary levels has found that students who excel in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) are driving change in classroom instruction.
Dubbed "Power Users," this "emerging group of youth distinguished by their self-directed, long-term, extensive experiences with technology" influence what and how teachers teach, have positively affected the way instructors learn about and use technology, and are generally helpful toward their classmates, the survey said.
"The economic health of all nations depends on healthier educational systems," said David Saedi, president and CEO of Certiport. "We are working to identify the critical nature of [Power Users'] contribution to education and the economy at large."
Good for you, Power Users, and for all students who bring their special talents to the classroom. This reminds us that college is not only a time for students to grow, but for professors to grow, too.
(Photo Source: Robert Morris College)
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Feb 7th, 2006
It was with joy that I read this article from a student at Arizona State University.
With this grasp on critical thinking and exploring both sides of the issue, it's apparent that at least for some people, college is doing its job. But, as this student asks, will online education change that?
Who doesn't root for the single mother who was able to chip away at that nursing degree because of the flexibility that online classes offered?
But when that same technology allows ASU students to opt for a one-sided educational experience simply because they don't want to make the daily trek across campus, it's harder to jump for joy.
While many online classes offer interactive discussions, nothing can replace the experience of being in a classroom, part of a live discussion or having to present an idea in front of dozens of peers.
A big part of the college experience is learning to communicate.
Writing messages onto a discussion board may allow students to get points across more clearly through proof-reading and editing. But what about producing responses on the fly like, say, in a job interview?
It's that kind of human pressure and interaction that's lacking in an online environment.
If the opportunity for face-to-face engagement with the material and those teaching it is available, it seems like a waste not to take it.
It's a common dilemma, though one usually discussed by those already enmeshed in academia. It's refreshing to see students beginning to openly debate the pros and cons of online education.
Students, what do you think? Are classes online an important educational development, or simply cause for laziness? Do they improve your life, or do you miss out on important experiences?
Please let us know what you think, in our Comments section.
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Feb 1st, 2006
Score another victory for online education: the trend is officially sweeping the world.
China is the newest country to embrace virtual learning, good news for a country experiencing a long-time teacher shortage.
Xinhua reports:
A tool to give instructions to students from anywhere of the country or the world has quickly charmed Chinese educational institutions.
CERNET-Blackboard, a marketing agency of online educational technology Blackboard, reported Tuesday the number of Blackboard clients in China had grown to 96 at the end of 2005.
"We are excited about the achievement as it was made in only two years," said Jiang Aiping, CERNET-Blackboard marketing manager.
Current Blackboard clients in China are mainly colleges and universities, including the prestigious Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University and Nanjing University.
A few high schools, including the Minhang No. 2 School in Shanghai, have also become users of the technology.
"It saves the trouble of traveling around the country to give instructions," said a teacher with the Business School of Renmin University of China. "The effects of teaching are also excellent as the system makes real-time interaction possible."
He predicted a bright future for such technology. "China is in urgent need of quality teachers and teaching materials. Online education could fill the gap easily," he said.
It's always encouraging to see the power online education has to provide opportunities that may have never come to fruition otherwise.
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Feb 1st, 2006
Have your parents or older siblings ever regaled you with tales of 'taking the places' of their friends, perhaps to help them pass a psychology Exam? And perhaps that friend repaid the favor by sitting in on your older sister's biology final?
Well, those days of breezy hijinks are nearly over. Although this stunt was easy to get away with as classes grew so large that professors could not recognize all students–and easier still when professors only see students twice a semester in online courses–new technology is forcing everyone to hit the books.
Technology is replacing the time-honored tradition of making your overworked, underpaid T.A. proctor exams. Now, taking an exam is akin to working for a top-secret agency, complete with fingerprint testing and webcams trained to 'recognize' students' faces!
What do you think? Is this taking the issue too far, or is it necessary? Does this set up an atmosphere of distrust between student and professor that could be damaging? Have you ever cheated on an exam this way? Don't worry: you can remain anonymous in the Comments section!
Read more at Business Wire.
(Photo courtesy of PBS.)
