I decided to review Emily's project because I have taught a course that was completely computer based (design course) and one where you had to use a computer for the assignments. I was intrigued to see if the world had some of the same problems I did with the courses!
Emily did a great job of finding literature that was relevant to the topic. There is clearly a need for students to use technology in the classroom because it is a skill they will undoubtedly need for the future. One of the points I particularly liked was that FYC is a course that all students need to take for basic writing, so why not include technology? We seldom do anything that is hand-written anymore, so maybe that is how the courses should be structured?
My problem with that, though, is how do we REQUIRE technology? I had a course that required students to have a computer and a computer program and with only 30 students in the class, there were probably 20% that did not always have a computer or their program was down. It needs to be something that can be accessed by everyone, even just on school computers.
The one thing I wish I would have seen (and Emily did point out there was a lack of information on) is how to use it in the classroom? Facebook was mentioned, but other than posting assignments or giving students a chance to comment and interact, what purpose does it serve? It did make me realize that my students are more likely to check Facebook than they are Blackboard. I had one undergraduate course that had a Facebook page and it was extremely helpful during tests. It really has me thinking, how can we incorporate technology more? Outside of an online class, what applications will benefit them in the future?
Overall, great job Emily! Very thorough review of the literature. The presentation would have been great to a departmental meeting.
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