Integrating Technology
What are some innovative ways that you integrate technology into your course?
Currently we are using the computer lab, smart boards and overhead ceiling mounted projectors for in class math training. We have engaged a publisher and are test driving an e-course math class with the usage of standard textbooks and study guides in the classroom.
Dar-
E-courses and online-based learning tools work as excellent supplements for developmental or 100-level classes. The material in the supplements, can be used to "refresh" the student's knowledge-base in the subject matter.
A really good way, in my opinion, is to integrate social networking sites like Facebook and Linked In. Both of these sites allow students to interact with industry professionals, subscribe to industry related blogs and get feedback on projects/designs by people outside of the standard learning environment.
Phillip,
This is an excellent assessment. We should encourage students to understand the importance of "networking" and developing relationships, as they prepare for their future careers.
Tremayne Simpson
If you have a Netflix account and your school allows you to access it (some don't) you can actually access a lot of good informational films and documentaries from it. I do this for my societal issues class, since there are a lot of documentaries. It's often something that my students don't know about and it starts great discussion.
Jane,
This is an excellent suggestion, because many students commonly utilize Netflix. Do you show the films in class or just make reference to a few clips? In all cases, instructors should be mindful of their institution's compliance requirements, in regards to use of films in class.
Tremayne Simpson
Sometimes I will show clips. Other times, I will show the entire film. We have four hour classes, so often I can show an entire film and then have a discussion on it afterwards. Or, I make it in to an assignment and have them answer questions about the film that apply the course material. They then hand their answers or discussion in for a grade.
I had the school install 20 computers in my classroom. This way I can effectively teach electronic health records.
Bruce,
It is imperative that the classroom is physically conducive to the course concepts. I can assume that it would be very difficult to teach an electronic health records course, without providing the students with access to computers.
Tremayne Simpson
In my classroom, I have used powerpoints and various games to help introduce and to review materials. In my surgical labs I try to teach the newer trends and technological advances that are being implemented in the field rather than relying on the written materials that are often dated and do not really apply to current procedures any longer.
LeeAnn,
This is an example of the type of experience that students are seeking in the classroom. Any time an instructor can present materials that are not commonly found (in provided course supplemental material), the students feel that they have received an authentic learning experience and it encourages them to attend and participate in class. The students may not be as engaged in the course, if the instructor is not innovative and simply uses the provided materials (i.e. textbook), during the lecture.
Tremayne Simpson
We use current equiptment and have a supplemental simulator for our sonography students.
We have overhead cameras at LCB that I use as often as I can so that students can see close up to the Demo that I am giving. They really help, especially for some of our larger classes.
Jeff,
Excellent usage of technology. In this example, all students will feel that they are a part of the class demonstration, regardless of their vantage point. Also, you will not disturb the "flow" of the demonstration by constantly asking if all of the students are able to see or hear the demo.
Tremayne Simpson
i used powerpoint to create a jeopardy style game to use as a course review.
Todd,
This is a great way to conduct an exam or course review. I have used the game-style format for review and I have noticed that the students' competitive nature, is generally the "driving force" in the retention of information. Once we have played the game in class, the students are generally ready to take the exam.
Tremayne Simpson
The course is pretty well laid out using power point but I also use videos from an online file to back up what we are teaching.
The manufacturer who sponsors our class has a web site specifically tailored for online training for their dealers. We have arranged for our students to have access to this website and made some of the material a required part of the course. We also have a daily (non-graded) self-study program which uses this material to supplement the course. It gives the student much more than we could in the limited class time available while at the same time to actually work toward certification through the manufacturer.
Because we are an automotive training program alot of the training is done on line and also there are electronic service publications which include repair manuals , wiring diagrams and trouble shooting manuals , most of our training involves using the latest electronic equipment .
