How are you using technology in the classroom?

It varies a bit by class, but first I run the open source Moodle course management software on my office computer for all my classes. It has numerous easy-to-use features and the price can’t be beat!. At the very least it is used for assignments and in some classes I do on-line quizzes. For the first time this semester I am using “clickers” to get immediate feedback from students.

How do you integrate technology into the classroom?

Pretty much answered in #1.

How are you using technology as a tool to achieving your teaching goals?

The clickers gives me and my students immediate feedback on their learning, while the on-line quizzes let students attempt to answer a question and then try again if need be for reduced credit after receiving a message on why their initial answer was incorrect (Moodle seems fairly unique in having this function).

How do you see technology improving learning?

It helps extend the instructor. It is striking that if you look at a classroom 100 years ago and today you’d find it has barely changed. Much of the rest of the world, of course, has changed dramatically since then. Technology is just now starting to change the classroom.

How have your students responded to your use of technology?

They seem to like it and appreciate the ability to interact with me and the material in different ways.

What does technology add that would not be possible without it?

I teach a large class of 300 students and it would be difficult to manage quizzes without doing them in Moodle. In Moodle, I can set them up and announce them and the rest is taken care of by the software.

What new goals do you have for using technology in teaching?

Hm. None come to mind at the moment. However, let me say that Ken Bain’s “What the Best College Teachers” do has had a great impact on me. Interestingly, he doesn’t mention technology that much. That might seem heretical here, but I’m not sure that technology is the complete answer to improving learning.

How could the University better facilitate the use of technology in instruction?

Use of Angel in all classes would be real boon (I’m looking forward to moving to it from Moodle).

What is your biggest challenge in using technology in the classroom?

To be honest, nothing really comes to mind. Almost every class everything “just works.” This sure makes my job easier.

How are you using technology to transform your teaching?

This is pretty much covered above.

How are you using technology in interesting or unique ways?

I believe that the Moodle quizzes, that let a student retry a question for reduced credit, after reading an explanation of why their answer is wrong, is fairly unique.

Is there anything that you love about technology?

It is nice to always be connected.

How are you using technology in your daily life?

I use e-mail, an RSS reader, and the web to stay connected with the world.

If you had to pick one technology item that you couldn’t live without what would it be?

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