Using technology in teaching
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1. Introduction
Universities are increasingly encouraging their staff to make use of a range of technology in their work. Computers are provided in most offices and UK HE is supported by powerful internet connections. The use of technology in teaching need not involve the development of specific e-learning materials. Some other ways to make use of technology include:
- Using presentation technology.
- Bringing internet resources into classrooms.
- Using email and other communication tools to support students.
- Including websites and e-journals in reading lists.
- Including databases and datasets in teaching.
- Using new technologies for classroom voting and testing.
- Recording lectures for podcasting or similar.
2. Using technology
For most teachers the use of technology in their classrooms will involve making use of presentation technologies such as Microsoft PowerPoint or similar graphics packages, showing video or DVDs, playing audio or using interactive whiteboards as part of their lecture or presentation. Each of these technology tools can be used in a range of ways to enhance learning and add variety to the traditional lecture format.
Many teaching rooms in UK universities have presenter PCs with internet connections and data projectors which enable teachers to bring up websites on screen for students to see. In this way web-based materials which belong to outside organisations, or e-learning materials stored in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), can be brought into classrooms for students and teachers to watch and discuss together.
The majority of university teachers will have a university email address which they can use to keep in touch with their students and colleagues. Students will also have university email addresses. Many universities also provide online notice boards or announcement tools for students and staff to use. Most universities provide staff with personal web space and some also offer opportunities to use weblogs or podcasting facilities for staff to publish their content. There will usually be some rules or guidance published by the university about appropriate use of personal web space. New employees are asked to sign up to these when they are appointed.
University libraries now have access to extensive collections of online journals and e-books. In many cases the university library web pages are also the first point of call to find quality assured academic websites or similar online resources. E-journals have the advantage of making it possible for many students to access the same journal article at the same time and keep their own copy and these are popular for inclusion in reading lists particularly on large courses.
Increasingly research data and databases are available online so that they can be used and developed by academics across the globe. Teachers are able to make use of these resources in their teaching and model to their students the processes which academic researchers undertake.
3. New tools
Electronic voting systems
Large lecture theatres or large group teaching spaces in some universities are equipped with voting systems which allow students to register their votes or choices against multiple choice questions posed by the teacher during lectures or demonstrations. These tools serve to make lectures more interactive experiences for students and can be used by teachers to identify areas in which large groups of students struggle with erroneous ideas. Where these tools are available they are some times called ‘personal response systems' or 'electronic voting systems'. Teachers at the forefront of new technologies are also making use of students' mobile phones to send SMS text messages in answer to set questions in classroom, but this is not widespread practice in the UK as yet.
Podcasting
The last two years has seen a steep rise in enthusiasm and interest within universities for podcasting. Podcasting is the process by which a series of episodes of radio-style audio is delivered over the web. These episodes can be downloaded by students to listen to on mobile devices such as mp3 players. Although the name ‘podcasting' does imply the use of mobile devices such as iPods there is evidence to suggest that most podcasts are listened to on PCs and laptops.
4. Hints, tips and suggestions
When using technology it is important to give yourself a chance to test the technology in advance so that you are familiar with it before you use it in a large class setting. You may need to get additional technical support. Once you are making confident use of it your students will pick up from you that use of technology is a normal and relevant part of learning and teaching.
When you recommend websites or other external resources to your students be sure to evaluate the resources, because your recommendation will be seen as a quality mark. If you wish to encourage your students to quality check and review the online resources they use there are internet tutorials provided by Intute which are recommended by most university libraries.
Provision of technology in teaching spaces and the equipment available for teachers to use varies from institution to institution but information about facilities available can usually be found from central computing support units, media support services, libraries and educational technology groups where these exist.
5. Further information
The Intute: Virtual Training Suite provides free internet tutorials to help you learn how to get the best from the web for your education and research. http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/
Chin, P., 2004. Using C&IT to support teaching. Key Guides for Effective Teaching In Higher Education. Routledge Press.