Blog Post 11.1: Technology and Learning
Until we discussed it today, I don't I'd realized just how little innovation there has been in our traditional school system. The disparity between different universities in the use of information technology is quite stunning. I never knew that MOOCs were a phenomenon, given that CU's use of them is so far behind some of the schools more known for their innovation and cutting-edge techniques.
The issue of learning styles and online/digital learning versus traditional learning is extremely interesting and quite relevant to our discussion. I personally learn best when I can take notes on a computer, since it helps me stay focused (I get distracted by drawing all over my notes when I'm restricted to paper). I'm often not able to use a computer to take notes in class, though, as actually a majority of my professors so far have banned computers and other technology from the classroom. This always struck me as backward. Info tech is developing and learning has evolved beyond pen and paper. I sometimes flounder in discussions of articles in other classes because they require a printout, when I've read through and marked up the article digitally because, again, I get distracted with pen and paper. The MOOCs sound like a fantastic resource for people who do best with a way to compile and go back to materials in a digital space, or who don't do well with in-person large group discussions (again, like me).
