Three phases of educational technology in the classroom

My Second Article, Video, Pictures and Reflection in One:

Three phases of educational technology in the classroom

I recently encountered a thought-provoking video about how technology is transforming education in the classroom setting. We are slowly experiencing a culture shift in how learners are learning. It follows that this should affect how teachers should be teaching. Briefly, the author lays out the progression of educational technology in 3 phases.


Phase 1: Using Technology to Present Dynamic Lessons

• Prime example: Powerpoint presentations
• Generally passive learning
• Learners are consumers of information

Phase 2 – Using Technology to Access Information

• Learners search online for answers to questions
• More active learning

Phase 3 – Using Technology to Produce and Share Products

• Learners move towards becoming producers of information and engage a larger audience
• Creators of information
• Classic example of Web 2.0 learning

Looking at my own experiences when I was a medical student and EM resident, my learning environment was clearly in Phase I. Lots of powerpoint presentations in sleepy, dimly-lit rooms with the lecturer being the only voice in the room. Currently, in our new EM residency program, I'm starting to see evidence of Phase II. Journal club sessions sometimes utilize real-time online searches to find answers to methodology questions.

After watching the below inspirational and thought-provoking video, I'm committed to incorporating some Phase II/Phase III approaches to my "lectures" in the future. The first quote really hits home:

A teacher that can be replaced by technology deserves to be." 
- David Thornburg

I have a lecture this coming Thursday on "Troubleshooting the Vascular Access Patient". I'm re-tooling the talk to make it a more interactive session. I'll let you know how it goes. There's less control (from a speaker's perspective) when venturing outside of the Phase I format, which makes me a little uncomfortable, and so I'm crossing my fingers that it will turn out ok... I've got a few things up my sleeve though.

Question: In what Phase is your teaching or learning experience?

Phase I;

• Prime example: Powerpoint presentations
• Generally passive learning
• Learners are consumers of information.

Phase II;

• Learners search online for answers to questions
• More active learning.

Phase III:

• Learners move towards becoming producers of information and engage a larger audience
• Creators of information.
• 
  
• My reflection on this article and video:
• 
  
• Our government was alarmed in the decreasing level of expertise of our professional workers here and abroad.  The government is now searching of ways on how to up-lift the educational system of our country and the example of this is the K- plus 12.  This program aims to meet the standard of education in the main stream.  However, we should also consider the parents dilemma regarding this program. But nevertheless, the idea of achieving the same level of competence with the other countries was not a bad idea at all.
  
  
  A call for a change in our curriculum and educational system is now on its way to reality.  The dramatic changed in the educational system is now taking its steps little by little.  A lot of technique is now being used and tried in line with this like; teachers try to influence their students to become a source of information and knowledge and not just a passive listener. To ensure that the students become more lively and cooperative in class discussions, I think the teachers should know how to use the 3 Phases in Educational Technology. I must admit that I was really amazed on how this technique was used to ensure optimum development of students behavior when it comes to their studies. 
  
  
  Over the years, student’s study habits had changed. They are now lazy and hooked to all kinds of vices and distractions.
  That is why teachers must reinforce his/her teaching techniques and I suppose this technique will address our student’s problems when it comes to their studies.  For us teachers we must act and do our part to transfer our knowledge to the best that we can to our students otherwise the idea of replacing the teachers by technology might soon happen.  We must always bear in mind that we are the reflections of our students to others. What ever and who ever they become, a part of that is us.
  
  
  Remember, according to David Thornburg; “A teacher that can be replaced by technology deserves to be."