The Irish Times – Carl O’Brien
From real-time tracking systems that enable parents to follow their children’s progress in school to plagiarism alerts in universities, technology is changing how people learn and are taught
Whether in a preschool or in a university computer lab, technology is rapidly transforming the way teaching and learning takes place.
A baffling array of new tools is competing for the attention of students and teachers. They range from real-time updates on pupils’ progress in class to a new wave of “micro-degrees” that could upend traditional university qualifications.
Opinion is divided about the merits of this new frontier. Some fear students will become too dependent on technology; others insist it will free up time to develop sought-after skills such as critical thinking.
Whatever your view, teachers, students and academic institutions cannot afford to ignore these rapid developments. Here we look at eight of the most popular and how they changing the face of the modern classroom.
1 TRACK PROGRESS
Follow your child’s progress with real-time student information systems
It used to be that parents’ only exposure to their children’s progress at school was the annual parent-teacher meeting. Not any more. A growing number of schools have signed up to internet-based “student information systems”. These allow parents to check their children’s attendance for classes in real time, to keep tabs on test results, to peek at disciplinary records and to see what is on the daily timetable.
Parents can receive instant notifications on their smartphones, tablets or computers with updates on their child.
VSware (VS stands for “virtual school”), an Irish firm, is one of the biggest suppliers of this technology to Irish schools.
It might sound Big Brother-esque, but Patrick Barry, VSware’s chief executive, says this kind of information has been gathered by schools for years. The only change, he says, is that it is being opened up to parents rather than being kept in a dusty back-office computer.
About 450 schools are using the technology, which can also automate timetables and other administration.
“Previously, schools had separate contracts for administration systems, room booking, text messaging and so on,” says Barry. “With this system, schools save money because it’s all cloud-based and doesn’t require IT skills to maintain it.”
Similar forms of technology in creches and preschools, such as Little Vista and ChildPaths, allow parents to see what their children eat for lunch and how they sleep. vsware.ie
2 NO MORE COG NOTES
Cloud-based learning platforms for teachers and students
The end of cogging your classmates’ notes is nigh. Teachers, lectures and students are increasingly using online learning platforms to store class notes, research resources and assignments. Students can upload, share and edit documents, and teachers can comment on students’ work before it is turned in and can communicate easily with the class.
There are tons of options out there. Google Classroom is very popular at second level, whereas Moodle, Blackboard and Sakai are common at third level.
Pat Tighe, principal of Magh Éne secondary school in Co Donegal, says Google Classroom is particularly popular among staff and students.
The ability to store images, video and essays makes creating a portfolio of work – which will become a major feature of the reformed junior cycle – much easier.
It also allows for more project-based work. Instead of students being forced to listen quietly to a teacher at the top of the class, these systems allow pupils to learn and digest content at their own pace. classroom.google.com, moodle.org
by MindMake via MindMake Blog
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