tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972232428235289860.post1112989926497514067..comments2010-11-28T21:20:11.418-06:00Comments on Pep's Tech Talk: Is a laptop "essential"?Cory Pepplerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00643032845488977745noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6972232428235289860.post-79869911811994694742010-11-17T17:05:29.556-06:002010-11-17T17:05:29.556-06:00First of all, I want to thank Cory for all of his ...First of all, I want to thank Cory for all of his research and sharing of ideas. These e-mails and his efforts to educate the faculty offline facilitate some critical discussions. Those discussions encourage ongoing reflection concerning evolving best practices, and that introspection makes all of us better teachers! <br /><br />I am specifically looking forward to reading two of the upcoming posts. The first is number four "increased personal interaction". I am curious to see how "personal interaction" is defined, and whether technology may require that we begin to distinguish between face-to-face communication and interactive electronic communication, as well as their individual merits. For instance, can a skyped discussion between two students replace face-to-face communication, or is it always a supplement to interpersonal communication in the classroom? Are blogs and moodles forms of personal interaction?<br /><br />The second is number five "more student-centered learning" versus "teacher-led instruction". I am again curious to learn whether we will need to distinguish separate strategies and/or desired outcomes between on line student-centered learning, and off line student centered learning. In some ways I feel that there is an inherent risk of isolating students behind their machines if strategies are misapplied. I look forward to the learning in front of us. <br /><br />Thanks again Cory....the history department benefits from your support in keeping us looking forward while we commit ourselves to engaging students with the past.Scott Williamsnoreply@blogger.com