I teach high performance automotive engines and the building and tuning of them. To simply explain how all this works is an exercise in futility! A combination of precise, clear examples combines with a hands on approach is the only way to be successful in this endeavor. By using computer modeling to show the function of each system individually and then a real hands on lab project to combine these systems together, I am able to convey some rather complex information to a student with limited skills. A course such as this requires the use of all the tools you have available.
bob,
Excellent examples! Do you use other instructional technology such as overhead cameras (document cameras/elmos etc)as well as computers? Do you use simulation software programs? I would love for you to join the instructor exchange forum in the faculty lounge and share some more specifics of the technology you use with your students. There is a difference between reinforcing information with examples and rote repetition, would you agree?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Presenting this to the students in a positive manner with goals for outcomes should help students get on board with these new methods. Most of our students are challenged on how to use their computer knowledge effectively and integrate this in their daily learning. The learning curve will be pretty steep for most of our "non-school background" type students. The key will be keeping class sizes relative to the amount of learning objectives presented in the 3 week time frames.
Using a the combination of dynamic and multidirectional learning will not only take out some of the vagueness in curriculum but will keep the students active and concentrating on the tasks at hand. Having students share different methods and what they find on the web should help the learners become more autonomous. Then we should ask students what their feedback is and listen to their ideas.
In the course that I teach(engines)haveing differant tools for delivary methodes helps the differant style learners grasp the information presented
mike,
How do you see your students benefit most from blended delivery? As well as suiting different learning styles, does it help with any other aspect of the learning process?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Using different forms of communication will be very beneficial to our course of study in that our student will have the ability to go beyond our curriculum and dive deeper into the various subjects we teach. Incorporating the information the students have discovered will also give them a real opportunity to add to the class.
David,
Yes, the key in your post is the use of the information and new discoveries the students have made. The instructional design must be flexible enough to integrate and actually use student-led content...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Hello Steve,
As you know, electricity like many things is a hard concept for many to grasp. I believe that breaking things down and explaining them in different ways or dynamic and multidirectional forms of communication will make it much easier for the student to understand quicker than before. Just one more example to clarify the topic.
Dynamic forms of communication allows the student's learning experience to be self directed and provides a heightened interaction for the learner. With the greater communication options to appeal to the different learning styles knowledge building is greatly enhanced. When students are enjoying the learning experience they are more likely to stay engaged.
Steven,
Yes, specific student learning needs and goals are more likely to be addressed in blended delivery - and, students can still be part of the learning community of the class: best of both worlds :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Dynamic and multidirectional communication forms allows us to address different learning styles in students. When this is combined with face to face a better outcome between instuctors and students is possible.I know from teaching in a face to face only type situation that certain learning style students do not interact very well. This shows up in their lack of being engaged with the coarse and their overall success(or lack thereof).
Dynamic forms of communication will allow the student's learning experience to be more self directed this provides a heightened interaction for the learner. Specific student learning needs and goals can be better addressed in blended delivery than just in a linear learning enviroment . This enables the students to still participate and be part of the learning enviroment of the class. It helps the students stay more motivated, less bordem and greater communication thru out the course.
Using a dynamic and/or a multidirectional learning environment allows the students to see how the problem might effect a real situation that they may encounter in the process of doing their job and how they would be able to effectively arrive at an answer or solution. This allows the student the skills to cope with many types of situations.
I think using dynamic and multidirectional teaching helps students learn by having different ways to present the information.Since everybody learns differently the more options we have to present the information the better oppertunity everybody has to get a understanding of it.
Lyle,
Great comments! The combination does enrich the possibilities for students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Errol,
Great! ...and the self-directed potential helps facilitate the learner autonomy increase.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I feel using as many forms to retreive information to assist in learning is valuble.
It may give the more motivated students the opportunity to investigate new concepts more thoroughly, and help them to come up with questions taht can help them to improve and learn at a faster rate. Ease in learning can translate into more excitement which can make learning more self sustaining.
However, it is not an end all, fix all. Students who want to stay engaged, will stay engaged. Those who are looking for someone to engage them will not engage, no matter what you do. I have found that personal contact with my professors to be more beneficial to my learning than online/blended learning. Often times I find that people will say things online that they cannot/will not say in a traditional classrom setting that can sideline a discussion and spin it into something less educational.
It can be a double edged sword.
Dynamic communication allows the student greater latitude to utilize other students in the class as well as the internet and other course materials this gives the student the ability to self direct and pace themselves. This allows the student to learn at their own pace and the instructor to reach each student in the way they need.
allen,
Can you be more specific regarding the value you see? Do you mean value to the students or instructor? Please expand your respond to explain more thoroughly what you mean. Thanks!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
