Key notes from the Gregor Kennedy Interview on ‘Researching the Generations’
Tuesday, 10 Feb 2015, 12:50
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Edited by Tom Cheek, Tuesday, 10 Feb 2015, 12:52
I found of particular interest that the findings included a pattern of primary tools that students relied on and that this was: Web Access; Instant Messaging; mobile phone communications and that beyond that the use was very diverse and broad.
This is a solid point to take on (base upon my own experiences too) when reviewing the process of teaching and training, ensuring that the use of technology in learning is accessible to all. For example I developed a Web 2.0 learning resource on Mural.ly only to find that half of my learners couldn’t access it. I had presumed that access to multiple platforms would work but I was wrong and my learners wanted to access it on these devices (and in fact in many cases it was the only way they could access online). Therefore I always now looking to develop learning objects that can be opened with smartphones, tablets and the like as well as traditional desk-based and laptops.
I think it also highlights the need to review the benefits of using features in development technologically as to be a sustainable it needs to have life and purpose for today and tomorrow. It may also require a review of well-established technologies to ensure they are being maximised as these may have best 'buy in'. For example I still feel that I could do a far better job in encouraging my learners to have their own blog so to record a reflective journal. The report itself highlighted responses where some HE students had little to no understanding of blogs.
Key notes from the Gregor Kennedy Interview on ‘Researching the Generations’
I found of particular interest that the findings included a pattern of primary tools that students relied on and that this was: Web Access; Instant Messaging; mobile phone communications and that beyond that the use was very diverse and broad.
This is a solid point to take on (base upon my own experiences too) when reviewing the process of teaching and training, ensuring that the use of technology in learning is accessible to all. For example I developed a Web 2.0 learning resource on Mural.ly only to find that half of my learners couldn’t access it. I had presumed that access to multiple platforms would work but I was wrong and my learners wanted to access it on these devices (and in fact in many cases it was the only way they could access online). Therefore I always now looking to develop learning objects that can be opened with smartphones, tablets and the like as well as traditional desk-based and laptops.
I think it also highlights the need to review the benefits of using features in development technologically as to be a sustainable it needs to have life and purpose for today and tomorrow. It may also require a review of well-established technologies to ensure they are being maximised as these may have best 'buy in'. For example I still feel that I could do a far better job in encouraging my learners to have their own blog so to record a reflective journal. The report itself highlighted responses where some HE students had little to no understanding of blogs.
References:
Gregor Kennedy and John Pettit. (2009). Gregor Kennedy Interview. Available: https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=553219. Last accessed 10th February 2015