tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598232295961252364.post8631475061899259728..comments2023-10-11T10:29:20.516+01:00Comments on DMU Learning Exchanges: External funding and sustainability: another viewRichard Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14282458219573470775noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598232295961252364.post-33327845115461781292008-02-16T14:30:00.000+00:002008-02-16T14:30:00.000+00:00I enjoyed this view. It gets you thinking.Here's w...I enjoyed this view. It gets you thinking.<BR/><BR/>Here's what I think. As a Starting point let’s agree that the classroom and traditional classroom tools ain't never going away. <BR/><BR/>Web 2.0 and e-learning tools are not here to replace classroom teaching, they are there to enhance it. If learning technology is about choice, then it behoves all teachers not to be ignorant of the learning (technology) choices and possibilities that are now available. Too many teachers as examples will cite lack of time, lack of training, lack of technical ability, lack of support, lack of understanding of the use of web 2.0 and e-learning tools for teaching and learning as to why they stick to chalkboards, OHP's and flipcharts.<BR/><BR/>And do you know what - they might be absolutely right in their reasoning for sticking to tried and trusted methods, but if they are a teacher that is interested in their primary purpose which is to help students learn then it is an unfortunate position to be in - that they are ignorant of so many wonderful tools to that can add to the variety of their teaching and enhance students' learning.<BR/><BR/>Whilst there may be differing levels of institutional support, it is now the year 2008, the web 2.0 and e-learning tools are mature and easy to use, pedagogical knowledge about how best to help learners learn in different situations is strong - We are ready to embrace change. <BR/><BR/>Because web 2.0 and e-learning tools are so good at enhancing already well identified good pedagogical practices, what is required is visionaries in positions of influence at all levels of education to re-think their approach so that the barriers mentioned above to teachers are removed. Teachers then can make an informed judgment as to whether the use of web 2.0 or e-learning tools can be of value or not. Just as politicians develop policies to socially engineer a preferred way of doing things, HE institutions need to engineer an environment that focuses on giving teachers the time, training, opportunity and support to become better informed about the learning options available.<BR/><BR/>There are many good things going on in relation to web 2.0 and e-learning and when someone (or a committee) with the authority recognizes how useful and important web 2.0 and e-learning tools are to student learning, then maybe a change in the institutional policies and working environment will ensue. <BR/><BR/>Although consolidation is a safe and on the face of it sensible option I actually think that within 10 years teaching and support for teaching in HE institutions will have changed dramatically, due to the unstoppable power of the new learning technologies available to us. If it does not come about by recognition maybe it will come about by fierce competition :-)Steve Mackenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13773778141513293168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598232295961252364.post-55374946665433601032008-02-15T11:38:00.000+00:002008-02-15T11:38:00.000+00:00Thoroughly enjoyed this, thanks for sharing!Thoroughly enjoyed this, thanks for sharing!Mohamedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08571511861503470847noreply@blogger.com