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Friday, September 16, 2011

Preliminary Results of a Study of LectureTools and Laptop Use



University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching




New Literacies for the 21st Century: Which Opportunities are Worth Seizing?



So, how do we reach students when classes are overcrowded and students are at so many different levels? I believe technology is a tool that can help in this situation. Many have discussed new methodologies such as The Flipped Classroom where student's homework consists of viewing lectures at home so that the 'homework' becomes classwork where the teachers can facilitate a more hands-on model of instruction. Certain software companies have created Learning Management Systems that help to make this an easy transition.

I certainly do not believe that teachers are to blame. In fact, I believe teachers are the thread holding the system together. I do think that the system needs to change, though. Times have changed; however, much in our practice has not. In my opinion, teaching is evolving - and the field of education needs to catch up. Teachers are ready; they simply need the tools and the training to incorporate these new methods into their classrooms.

In closing, I pose a question: are we going to continue to prepare our students to become proficient at shading in bubbles, or are we going to prepare them to be able to use their resources, analyze information, think critically, and connect globally?

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