Adapted from Menges, R.J. Teaching in the age of electronic information. In W.J. McKeachie, ed. Teaching Tips (9th edition). Lexington, MA: D.C. Heath & Co., 1994
Computer-based technologies are radically transforming higher education. Personal computers readily retrieve and configure vast amounts of electronically stored information. In this information environment, instructors do not control access to information as they once did. Instead, the students directly receive and interact with data of all kinds. They can transform information from one medium to another, and they create new knowledge as a result of their interactions with instructors and other students. Students learn along with the instructor and by interacting with one another. Students are bound to learn much that the instructor does not know.
Computer technologies offer instructors opportunities to enhance the teaching and learning experiences for their students and themselves. For example, they can assist instructors in designing learner-centered activities.
- Instructional technologies expand opportunities for active learning.
- Students use technology (e.g., Internet, statistical databases, computer- based music) as a tool to gather information.
- Computer simulations help students develop and practice research skills in simulated lab settings.
- Simulations help students grasp difficult abstract concepts by allowing them to manipulate data or designs and thus instantly seeing resulting changes. The students also receive immediate feedback about their performance.
- Instructional technologies shift the focus from whole-class instruction to small group instruction.
- When students work with computers, they progress at different rates. Thus, instructors need to interact more frequently with individual students or groups of students to assist them.
- Instructional technologies facilitate a collaborative rather than competitive learning environment.
- Collaboration is encouraged when students have access to extensive databases and share their work through networked communications, such as electronic mail, computer conferencing, newsgroups.
- Ask students to use electronic data bases, the World Wide Web in their bibliographic searches.
- Ask students to use electronic mail and newsgroups to ask questions of the instructor and other students, to receive feedback on assignments, and to submit assignments. Technologies provide opportunities for interaction outside of class, offer a more intimate, protected and convenient forum for communication with the instructor (may be less intimidating than face-to-face communication with the instructor).
- To communicate with all your students, you can use the e-mail list that has been set up for your class. The e-mail list name includes the term code in addition to the department, course number and section. For example, the name for the mailing list for ACCT100, Section 010, during the 99 Fall term is: ACCT100-010-99F@udel.edu
- Survey students about their familiarity with electronic media and invite them to share their knowledge and skills with the class.
- Use presentation software to incorporate graphics, videoclips, charts, and tables into your teaching.
- Develop class notes and student handouts to accompany the class discussion and to help students prepare for class.
- Use computer programs to keep student records-enrollment, grades, and test items.
Note: The publication is available for loan from the CTE Library in 212 Gore Hall. In addition, the website entitled, "Faculty Showcase" provides examples of how University of Delaware faculty have incorporated technology into their teaching.
