Do we have a right and a responsibility to our students to integrate technology
into our courses? If we want our students to become proficient and effective
teachers who also integrate technology to enhance the curriculum then we
must model the use of technology. Students who only see or are required
to use technology in just "technology" courses will see technology as "something
someone else does." How can we integrate technology technology into our
courses? What are the advantages or disadvantages? What are true examples
of technology integration? Here are some ideas...
Electronic ChalkTalks
Example: Powerpoint
Advantage: Dynamic Environment for Display
Advantage: Student access to notes with printed copies
Advantage: Student developed PowerPoint on topics enhances their understanding.
Disadvantage: Not Interactive
Anchored Instruction
Example: Laserdiscs, CD-Roms, DVDs
Advantage: Rich Mental Models for instruction
Advantage: Easy access in the classroom
Advantage: Easier to burn course specific material
Disadvantage: Time & Access to available commercial Materials
Web-Based Information
Example: Syllabi on-line
Advantage: Fluid nature of the course outline
Advantage: Links can be added with additional information
Disadvantage: Students do not read and only want paper copies
Web-Based Activities
Example: Questionnaires, quizzes, simulations
Advantage: Personalized activities for content
DisAdvantage: Time to create
Video Enhanced Web Activities
Example: simulations or models with video
Advantage: Personalized activities for content
DisAdvantage: Time to create
DisAdvantage: Access to the equipment
Disadvantage: Students to not always have "fast" access to the WWW
Discussion Groups
Example: Web Discussion, Listserv
Advantage: Creates "atmosphere for discussion and sharing"
Advantage: Allows access to instructor for advice
Disadvantage: Students do not always read all the postings
