This article discussed the role of digital technology in shaping the teaching and learning landscape of higher education. Since 20% of children between the ages of five and eight are using computers, one can see why they bring the expectation of being engaged with new digitally mediated approaches to learning with them to school. And with a vast array of technology out there to choose from one can see why teachers need to make informed decisions about digital technology in their classrooms. Faculty at all levels needs support and training in how to use technology, but also in how to select technology that would be the best suited for their learning goals. Research indicates that learning occurs most effectively in a community, this article explored the impact of a faculty learning community (FLC) at a large urban university. This FLC consisted of eight faculty members form various departments across the university. Their goal was to explore the use of technology as an instructional tool and its ability to support learning in the classroom. The FLC attended bi-weekly meetings and distinguished ways in which what they were learning and practicing could be used in their own pedagogical practices. In addition to meeting face-to-face they also posted notes and comments to a online blackboard to float ideas.
I found this article interesting because it was addressing issues that we face daily in the elementary and high school level, but at the university level. It was interesting to see what they are doing in higher education to combat the technology gap that is occurring between teachers and students. For many teachers fear of change and new things limits their desire to change. The assumption that today's students are technologically savvy often deters teachers form taking risks and exploring new options. It was nice to see what was happening at the college level and what the faculty does there on top of the other expectations they have to keep themselves current within their profession. Their ability to interact and discuss the role of the technology in their specific areas, along with critiques of specific technology they tried, with the success and failure of the implementation was central to the function of their FLC. This lead most of them to continue for an additional year. Their success also lead to the development of three more FLC within the university.
The link is automatically popping the PDF up on my computer - Let me know if you are having a problem with that...sorry.
www.isetl.org/ijtlhe/articleView.cfm?id=379
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