Thinking about Technology & Learning

Integrating Technology into the College Classroom by Robin Lindbek and Brian Fodrey

Faculty are continuing to integrate technology into the college classroom. But what are they doing?  What’s working?  And how can we bring these ideas into other classrooms?

This article was helpful as we consider what types of technology are helpful in the classroom. It is important to consider adult learning as well as the millennial generation as we consider which forms of technology aid and support learning.  Millennials expect to have easy access to information.  They have confidence in being able to re-create the world around them.  They are used to working in teams for win-win solutions and mesh with the characteristics described in adult learning theory.

These main uses of technology fell into three broad categories: 

1. To teach and share information
2. To foster collaboration  
3. For individual learning, information access, and skill demonstration.

It is important to note that while technology can enhance learning, not all technology is helpful.  If used too often technology can be a hindrance rather than a help to classroom learning.  It is up to the teacher to be able to mesh effective technology with other teaching methods to maximize learning.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED:  Technology is continually advancing and will only become more common and more entrenched in the classroom learning environment in the years to come. 

As teachers, I think it is important to embrace technology in our classrooms.  I would like to experiment with various mediums of  technology, but not let it be a crutch.  I only want to use technology if it helps emphasize or enhance learning.  As a student, I know that technology can be fun and engaging, yet if not used properly can feel like a waste of time.  As a tool, technology is great, but I don't believe it should ever replace or overshadow the learning that only can take place in a live teacher/student classroom setting.

I think technology used for collaboration between teachers and students and between classmates is an effective tool.  I have experienced the benefits of being able to work long distance on group projects with the aid of technology. It saves, time, duplicated effort and frustration.