Google offering free online education is a scary idea! I can't begin to process how that would change the landscape of academia. On another note, I am interested in the question, "Could technology replace the educator?" I really wonder about this one. If knowledge can be created through cooperation in online spaces, then how much should we credit the internet as the educator in the process of learning?
Could technology replace the educator? Technology can replace delivery. In my opinion, all learning can be better assisted by a mentor. In this way, you can never truly replace an educator.
How will the role of the educator change in the next 10 years? I feel like the educator is becoming a silent facilitator in order to demand original thinking on the part of the students. Are we not reaching our students, or are they not reaching us? There are so many reasons teaching doesn’t reach students. Between timing and attitudes, it really does no good to place blame. There will always be people who are not making enough of an effort. As an instructor, I am going to put forth a genuine effort. That will not be enough to reach all of my students, but if it is the best I can do….
Is it our role to do away with the distractions in the “classroom,” or are they a given in a “classroom”? I am not sure on my standpoint on this. I have always been a student who has been bothered by distractions. Distractions are part of the way the world functions. I may have a lesson planned, but if a student takes the conversation in a different direction then I must accept this “distraction” to make it a learning opportunity.
How many times since the beginning of the year did you and your colleagues make decisions that affect students without asking them first? This isn’t pertinent to me currently, but I know I am a control freak. >.<
How do the reasons, motivations, for embracing online (or any type of education) affect what and how we teach?
The delivery method changes the whole game for typical classes. How do you clearly explain concepts and gauge mastery without feedback?
In response to a scenario in which google established a free online university in direct competition with community colleges, what would community colleges do quickly to survive?
I am sure community colleges would attempt to discredit it. Universities would not accept these courses in place of core curriculum. There would be issues of identity and accreditation. If something like this were to be accepted, community colleges would turn into technical schools that teach trades. Maybe they should turn into schools that teach you about the real world. -How do I do my taxes? -What are my taxes really used for? -How do I get a credit card if companies want established credit? -How do my student loans work? -Why does the government charge me so much for my education? -Why didn’t anyone ever tell me what I was good at in life? Can you tell me what job I would enjoy doing?
Google offering free online education is a scary idea! I can't begin to process how that would change the landscape of academia. On another note, I am interested in the question, "Could technology replace the educator?" I really wonder about this one. If knowledge can be created through cooperation in online spaces, then how much should we credit the internet as the educator in the process of learning?
ReplyDeleteThe Very Tough Questions:
ReplyDeleteCould technology replace the educator?
Technology can replace delivery. In my opinion, all learning can be better assisted by a mentor. In this way, you can never truly replace an educator.
How will the role of the educator change in the next 10 years?
I feel like the educator is becoming a silent facilitator in order to demand original thinking on the part of the students.
Are we not reaching our students, or are they not reaching us?
There are so many reasons teaching doesn’t reach students. Between timing and attitudes, it really does no good to place blame. There will always be people who are not making enough of an effort. As an instructor, I am going to put forth a genuine effort. That will not be enough to reach all of my students, but if it is the best I can do….
Is it our role to do away with the distractions in the “classroom,” or are they a given in a “classroom”?
I am not sure on my standpoint on this. I have always been a student who has been bothered by distractions. Distractions are part of the way the world functions. I may have a lesson planned, but if a student takes the conversation in a different direction then I must accept this “distraction” to make it a learning opportunity.
How many times since the beginning of the year did you and your colleagues make decisions that affect students without asking them first?
This isn’t pertinent to me currently, but I know I am a control freak. >.<
How do the reasons, motivations, for embracing online (or any type of education) affect what and how we teach?
The delivery method changes the whole game for typical classes. How do you clearly explain concepts and gauge mastery without feedback?
In response to a scenario in which google established a free online university in direct competition with community colleges, what would community colleges do quickly to survive?
I am sure community colleges would attempt to discredit it. Universities would not accept these courses in place of core curriculum. There would be issues of identity and accreditation. If something like this were to be accepted, community colleges would turn into technical schools that teach trades. Maybe they should turn into schools that teach you about the real world.
-How do I do my taxes?
-What are my taxes really used for?
-How do I get a credit card if companies want established credit?
-How do my student loans work?
-Why does the government charge me so much for my education?
-Why didn’t anyone ever tell me what I was good at in life? Can you tell me what job I would enjoy doing?