technology in learning
I started giving 2 private lessons in the past week. The first one is in html (basic web design) and the second one is in flash (actionscripting).
Learning is another form of communication; an intense communication where one tries to communicate the “how to” more than just the “what” like information that we get from the news. As stated in my earlier blog, one essential part of learning is knowing how to apply/use the knowledge that one has received: the next step.
I’ve always been interested in the role of technology in learning. In the past few of years, more and more communication tools have been invented that make virtual office and online collaboration possible. I believe many of those communication tools (i.e. ipod, SMS, IM, wiki, etc.) can be used to make learning process more effective.
But as with other application of technology, one has to realize that technology is not the end, it’s the mean. That is what I discovered this past week.
I thought I could just put all the information and/or demo online and anyone who’s willing to learn can just read and follow my online instruction and teach him/herself.
From the face-to-face interaction that I had, I discovered that learning process has many facets. One or two technologies cannot replace the effectiveness of in-class interaction. Based on this, I’m looking forward to employing more interactive communication tools in the learning process which hopefully can create the kind of interaction that yield the same result as in-class interaction.