So I've been thinking . . . about the role of technology

[Lawrence Ragan]

Last week I had the pleasure of working with 20 faculty associated with the BSB, the much anticipated online business degree. Working with the lead program faculty, Michelle Kline, we had designed a 2-hour evening workshop for faculty interested in learning more about new and emerging technologies. Of course we stated the required ID mantra “remember it’s not about the technology . . .” and their eyes glazed over! In this case, the opposite was true, it was about the technology and it was O.K.! Actually, they were pretty excited!

What struck me most about this group was their genuine interest and excitement about learning. They wanted to have fun and learn something new in the process. Each faculty member did not get a chance to see all the displays that evening but they did express interest in continuing this process in order to better understand where and how these systems might aid their teaching (regardless of venue).

Really, we barely scraped the surface of what these tools can do. The evening turned into a mix of socialization, technology exploration and yes, even some discussion of how and when these tools might be applied in the teaching and learning process. I’m convinced that we’ll get there, after they get a sense of the function and power these tools offer.

As is oftimes repeated these days, sometimes the technologies present an opportunity to transform the way we help people learn. Ways that we may not have envisioned without the technology. That’s pretty cool and this group of 20 or so BSB faculty were clearly “looking for opportunities!” What a fun and refreshing approach to education!

[Joy M. Perrine]

I attended this technology session. Thank you, Larry! I appreciate the opportunity to see some of the exciting tools that we have for use in our classrooms and with our colleagues. You and your staff were very helpful!