USA Today and Creative Learning – About Time!

By E. Brown

I read an article in USA Today that was about the new and creative use of technology amongst university professors as a means to teach and meet with students. Utilizing technology to bridge distance and time and make connecting easier.

Certainly, I am glad this is in the news, but the fact is, it’s not new news. Using computer technology for mass training and teaching started gaining popularity in the early 1980’s. I think back to Clement Mok’s kiosk that he created using Apple HyperCard. Anyone remember that? This new use of technology was used at a convention to connect attendees. So, what paradigm has changed between then and now (outside of the obvious fact that technology is more widespread and more powerful)?

The articles stated:

Harvard University computer science professor, David Malan, is one of a growing number of professors nationwide turning to Internet technology to enhance course communication and connect with students.

“There is a tremendous advantage especially when it expands on the potential for learning and allows students to access materials in different ways,” says Jillian Kinzie, associate director of the National Survey of Student Engagement.

The article goes on to say:

Richard Lillie, an accounting lecturer at California State University-San Bernadino, says virtual office hours and other means of communication are the future of education. “It’s going to have significant ramifications. …We have to think, ‘How can we really use these tools creatively to communicate and still guide the learning process?’”

Hmmm…sounds vaguely familiar. How can we use these tools to creatively teach and communicate?

Note to self: Start a blog that discusses tools, techniques, and tips on using technology for equipping and training with a creative twist — call it ‘WeirdGuy.’

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