Technology has effected education. Many innovations have made a positive impact on how students learn and build success in the classroom. However, when it comes to technology, combined with the subject area of math, one would thin these two would be a perfect match. Needless to say, this has not been the case.
Math faculty members have found that instruction through technology has not been easy. Although on-line learning is more flexible and allows students additional opportunities for reflection, it hasn't proven friendly to instructors. The prominently test-oriented distance learning systems do not handle the diagrams and formulas necessary for math instruction. In most cases, instructors need to go through a series of steps to make communication/instruction possible.
An interesting fact was explained in several studies related to the human brain in the 2004 International Journal of Science Technology, written by Glenn Gordon Smith and David Ferguson, concerning visual short term memory. For both verbal and visual information, short term memory can hold a maximum of four to seven items. However, that four to seven item limit can be increased up to 16 items, if the items are presented purely visually and in a connected way. In other words, a properly developed diagram can greatly increase the retention of comprehension. This is important to know, when teaching math. The ability to instruct through diagrams and formulas is paramount to student skill acquisition and success.
Since diagrams, formulas, and notation are useful for math instruction, it is equally important that these tools can be easily accessed through online instruction. Up until recently, this hasn't been true. But today, new technologies are being developed to help. These innovative online tools are being used in colleges that enhance math instruction through the use of two way communication through diagrams and math notation.
Math instructors have found that these distance learning tools give students more opportunities to get involved. As a group, students solve math problems. Students are given a single step to complete and explain the process used. Then, another student proceeds with the next step and so on. The online tools allow each student to use different colors to help differentiate the steps and reveal each person's contribution. This group approach to instruction involves all the students, without the fear of standing in front of others in class. It also gives students pride in their own work, through visual and verbal modes.
It has been noted that unlike the traditional community college student, the online math student is likely to be a mature female. These students are returning to school and at the same time, holding down a full time job. Providing safe opportunities to gain knowledge through online math tools has proven helpful. Multimedia motivates students to be attentive and stimulated. Each year, innovations are developed. Higher education needs to keep up on these advances. The online tools are powerful components to successful online math courses. It is important that colleges meet the needs of employers in math related fields. This can only be done by keeping a pulse on new advancements in math online instruction.
The health field has been growing in leaps and bounds. Community colleges are striving to produce students, who are able to communicate confidently. Nurses with effective communication skills are advocates for their patients and themselves. Colleges are examining the traditional passive lecture method of instruction and trying out new strategies. Schools need to provide an active, meaningful, and authentic setting for students. Online courses and technology has helped community colleges move in this direction.
Nursing students today have access to e-mail, bulletin boards, online courses, tests, case studies, and clinical skill videos. Students have found that the curriculum online is also enhanced. Courses are more interactive and prepare students to be self reliant. One of the most advantageous aspects of online instruction has been the implementation of tests. The licensing exam, although not given by the community college, is accessed through a computer. Online students taking exams do so through the computer. These students find their levels of test anxiety diminishing.
Nursing, along with other occupational programs can have low enrollment and be costly. Online classes can give community colleges the opportunity to provide these classes, until the enrollment catches up with the demand of these professions. By sharing with students existing technology, community college faculty are preparing them for the modern-day workforce. With the skyrocketing need for these professionals, online distance learning education is a valuable means of instruction.
Although not all technology used in the classroom proves favorable. One study showed that faculty websites do not improve students' perceptions of teacher credibility and learning expectations. Instead, no data could be found to support the belief that a website affects the student's perception of the teacher or course. Suggestions were made as to why this finding was discovered. One reason could be that although students have knowledge of the Internet, they still want face-to-face contact with their instructor and fellow students.
Technology is here to stay. It is time for educators to begin assessing which tools and strategies work the best. Implementing the right technologies will benefit all students.
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