Summary for the Semester

As the semester comes to a close, there is a lot of information (theories, tools, ideas) that can significantly impact the American educational system. In my mind, the key to being productive with this information is being able to sort through it and pick out which pieces can be implemented and provide a positive impact on the learning processes of today's classroom.

While legislators are pushing for more and more standardized testing, research has shown that increasing pencil and paper exams may be a step backwards. With the technology that is available, we are able to provide students with exceptional learning environments that differ greatly from the standard methods that have been in place for quite some time. Require students to construct projects as assessment not only alleviates the monotany of traditional testing, it requires students to learn skills outside the spectrum of the one particular subject area. Likewise, constructivism provides assessments that match the types of skilled labor that may be required of them in the workplace.

One key software category that has grown by leaps and bounds is that of online collaboration. I expect that we will continue to see growth with some focus aimed towards the educational market. Online collaboration provides a great deal of flexibility and authentic interaction to distance education. Students are now able to collaborate in real time with one another whereas several years ago bulletin board posting and text chat rooms were about the only options available. As video becomes more mainstream and software more robust, the interactivity will continue to increase, allowing distance education to become a viable option for an increasing number of subject areas.

Although we speak of a day when the instructor can be "replaced," it is important to realize that as a goal, it is distant. While self-sufficient learning has its advantages (the student sets the pace, instantaneous feedback, etc), we are not ready to do away with the traditional instructor. With this in mind, it is important to focus on instructional tools and how they can bring more to a presentation. We have mentioned streaming video in class and there are various other instructional tools, as well as alternative assessment means, that can transform the traditional classroom into a media rich learning center. When exploring options for classroom teaching, it is important to make certain that the piece of technology being used actually serves a purpose, as opposed to simply present for the sake of using technology.

One example I have run into is a Smartboard. If I simply show a Powerpoint file on a Smartboard and write handwritten notes on the slides, is this an improvement over using an overhead projector? No. However, if I supplement the powerpoint with streaming video and interactive applets, I have used a piece of technology in a way that enriches the students' learning. By coupling this with a constructivist form of assessment or a self-paced interactive practice program, I am increasing attentiveness, participation and retention.

As the semester closes, it is important to be willing to buck the trend of increasing pencil and paper testing and using the theories to increase actual learning in the classroom. Although it requires extended effort to decide on a theory, create the materials needed and grade the assessments that the students have created, the benefit of student-led learning and increased attentiveness will easily outweigh the one-time costs.