I totally agree with the point that we have to look for simplicity and efficiency. What I have learned in the last couple of years is that time is invaluable, and it might be very time consuming to try to know everything and adapt ourselves to the last innovative method to teach. However, as academics and professors it is important to be aware of the different type of materials, sources and methods that are out there.

I want to point out a fact that really concerns me about using digital devices with internet access for educational purposes. Do you know that older children and adolescents consume more than 7.5 hours of media each day (for leisure and educational purposes)? However, the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 2 hours per day!
My concern relies on the fact that devices with internet access are susceptible to cookies therefore advertisements and content that sometimes are out of our control. As a nutritionist I can firmly state that consistent evidence states that the most frequently marketed foods and beverages are higher in added fats and sugars, and Americans already eat and drink too much foods an beverages. To be accurate 87% of the food and beverage ads seen by children falls into this category, which contributes to high energy diets, consequently to overweight and obesity risk.

I am with you. We have to be aware that some “old school” methods still work, whereas others have to improve and sometimes we will find a need to adapt ourselves to new ones.

I work a second job at the Newman library, and I’m always amazed at some of the exhibits they put together here. They really try to make the learning environment one that takes you outside the traditional norms. Conversely I recently had a patron who remarked that there were so many books being removed from the library, and that where there had previously been floors of stacks, now dwindled. I tried to explain how the library was becoming more digitized and the focus was evolving to a more interactive learning environment as a way to encourage new ways to reach out to patrons. This particular patron didn’t see it that way and instead informed me that we were “killing the library.” I don’t quite see it that way, but more of the direction that learning technology is evolving

LikeLike

Asking WHY, from the learner’s perspective, is definitely a great way for efficient learning. Meanwhile, we need teachers and instructors to show us the way or skills to find the correct answer, instead of handing over the answers directly. Just as the old saying reveals, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime”. Learning is an interactive process between learner and educator, and we need both sides to be more engaged in higher education.

I second the thought that we need to be an active learner throughout the learning process. In my personal experience, those I can remember for the lifetime tend to the knowledge bearing with a unique/personal mark, and the most efficient way to leave a unforgettable mark with one part of knowledge is to truly engage yourself with it in as many ways as possible.

In the past, we always believe that only the most talented and knowledgeable scholars can stay in the ivory tower. However, things started to gradually change in the digital era. I agree with the author that sometimes we emphasize too much on fostering imaginative and innovative students while ignoring the fact that they do not even have a solid background in math and/or science. Students born in the digital era learn how to google everything, including fundamental knowledge, instead of remembering them. Technologies guarantee people high efficiency but also makes people lazy. Should we also plan for the worst if one day there is no electricity and no Internet? Can the students in the digital era survive with over exaggerated imagination?

LikeLike

Ethan – I am curious to hear more about why deliberately inspiring students feels odd. I think that students’ interests and their understanding of the world around them can change and evolve quite a bit while they are in college. And educators have the opportunity to present material from a new perspective, encourage students to learn and grow in their understanding of a particular subject, and excite students.

Thanks Amy. I have been asking myself a lot lately what can I do to be better? The last year has been such a transformation for me–moving up here to study at VT has changed my life! I am eager to see where I’ll be after another year of studies… classes like this one are really critical to my development as an educator. Like you, I am excited about these discussions. I am looking forward to seeing just how deep the rabbit hole goes!