This document discusses how instructional technology has changed teaching and learning in colleges and universities. It notes that today's students are accustomed to using technology and expect it to be incorporated into their education. While technology can enhance learning when used effectively, simply adding technology does not guarantee improved outcomes. The document advocates applying principles of good teaching practice and using technology to support student-faculty interaction, collaboration, and active learning.

1. Teaching, Learning and Technology Making Sense of a Changing Landscape Jeff Nugent INFORMS 2008 Annual Meeting Teaching Effectiveness Colloquium Washington, D.C.

2. Session Overview Your perspective… Changing nature of the web Consider student perspectives on technology use Research-based framework for supporting good instructional practice

3. Some initial thoughts on instructional technology…

4. Instructional technology tools (computers, software, internet, etc.) have fundamentally changed the way students learn. Mostly agree Not really sure Mostly disagree

5. Faculty exploration of instructional technology tools is crucial in helping higher education meet the challenges of the future. Mostly agree Not really sure Mostly disagree

6. Instructional technology tools have fundamentally changed the way I teach. Mostly agree Not really sure Mostly disagree

7. The factor that plays the greatest role in my adoption and use of technology to support teaching and learning is: Recommendation of a colleague Student expectations Potential learning advantage Saving time Departmental expectations None of these

8. Instructional technology tools have fundamentally changed the way instruction is delivered in colleges and universities. Mostly agree Not really sure Mostly disagree

10. “ I believe that the motion picture is destined to revolutionize our education system and that in a few years it will supplant largely, if not entirely, the use of textbooks.” ~Thomas Edison (1922)

12. " New technologies are always used to do old tasks--until some driving force causes them to be used in new ways." ~Marshall McLuhan

13. How is the web changing where and how learning is taking place?

14. 2004 2004 2008 1998 2007 2005 2003 2001 2003 2005 2008 2004 2006 2008 1999

15. Today’s Web Unprecedented access to information Freely available web-based tools New publishing opportunities User generated filtering, organization & distribution Web experience dominated by creation, interaction and participation…the social web

16. Why teach with technology? Technology has the potential to transform learning. Access to rich learning resources New learning environments Real world problem solving Immediate feedback to students / instructors

17. Why teach with technology? Mounting evidence that the effective use of technology can support and enrich student learning. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations (CRITO) National Study of the Effectiveness of Educational Technology Interventions

18. Why teach with technology? “ Net Generation” ??? A world without email, the internet, instant messaging, cell phones… Anytime - anywhere access to electronic media and information… Technology is a normal part of their learning landscape

19. “ In the midst of other priorities, schools can choose to view this emerging pressure for change from their student body in either a positive or negative light. On the positive side, through the growing use of the Internet outside of school, educators have the opportunity to expand their reach and to engage students in new and thoughtful ways. On the negative side, the sanctity and tradition of the four walls of the classroom quite literally is melting away. Students are likely to be increasingly dissatisfied with conventional approaches to teaching and learning…” The Digital Disconnect: The widening gap between Internet-savvy students and their schools , Pew Internet and American Life Project

20. What do we know about Today’s students ?

21. ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2007 Fourth consecutive year of study 27,846 Freshmen, seniors and community college students 103 Higher education institutions Educause Center for Applied Research

22. Key Findings from the 2007 ECAR Study

23. Student Computer / Internet Activity Average use of electronic devices exceeds 18 hours / week 99.9% send and read email 98.6% write documents for course work 94.7% search the web & institutional library 91.7% create presentations

24. Student Computer / Internet Activity 86.4% online shopping 84.1% send instant messages 83 % use course management system 81.6% online social network (Facebook) 78.3% play computer games 41.7% access / use wikis 29.1% create web pages 27.8% blogging

25. Student Preferences for IT use in Courses

26. Course use of CMS 82% of students have used CMS 76.5% report positive learning experience Students who report daily use are overwhelmingly positive about CMS

27. Usefulness of CMS Features Keeping track of grades / assignments online Access to sample exams / quizzes for learning purposes Online syllabus Submitting assignments online Access online readings / course material Taking exams / quizzes online Getting assignments back from instructors Sharing materials among students Online discussion board

28. Perceptions of IT in Courses Using IT in Courses

29. Bottom Lines? Undergrads like IT Net Gen characterization does not apply to all undergrads University is a place where students mature as IT users Respondents agree with series of positive outcome statements about IT

30. How can technology be used to promote meaningful learning?

31. What teaching practices can support effective use of technology?

32. 7 Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education ( Chickering & Gamson , 1987) Encourages contact between students and faculty Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students Encourages active learning Gives prompt feedback Emphasizes time on task Communicates high expectations Respects diverse talents and ways of learning Email, discussion boards, weblog, IM, professional web page Course wiki, Google Docs, social bookmarking “ Clickers”, online tests / quizzes, posting student grades Web-based learning activities, blogging, RSS readers Detailed electronic syllabus, Knowledge surveys via Bb Digital video, concept maps, podcasts, screencasts “ Clickers,” blogs, social bookmarking

33. Consider this advice… Use technology to support your own learning Be willing to take risks in your teaching You don’t have to play without a net…build informal learning networks with your colleagues

34. questions & next steps