>All the predictions about the highly computerized classrooms of the =
future
>might be correct.The chalk and chalkboard have withstood the challenge =
of
>the filmstrip, the overhead projector, the tape recorder, audio tapes,
>motion pictures, learning labs, open space classrooms, television, and
>video tapes. Maybe the computer will finally change things in the =
classroom.
A lot of colleges use felt boards instead of chalk boards these
days. The overhead and movies remain popular and language labs
have a lot of audio and stuff. In other words, the classroom has
mixed the old with the new, not entirely resisted or denied the
new.
I think some colleges will be investing in white boards which=20
immediately transcribe what's written to the monitor at the
student's desk -- makes stuff easier to see.
>Our college has a TV studio that can broadcast to every classroom on
>campus. The college and the studio were constructed in 1972 reflecting =
a
>vision of the future classroom that saw a teacher in the studio =
instructing
>students who were watching TV's all over the campus. The studio has =
never
>been used for that purpose. It is used sparingly for local community TV
That does seem wasteful.
>Will the classrooms that are now being constructed according to the =
current
>vision of the future be turned into more poor teaching spaces? Or will =
they
>be constructed in accordance with the way college teachers teach and =
have
>been teaching since the first college was founded in 1636?
I think the institutions which go with newfangled technology will=20
need to learn from past mistakes.
We have lots of learning going on in Planetariums, which use fancy
audiovisuals. Simulators are likewise common in many learning=20
situations (even if not on average college campuses). The a one=20
student per workstation model is also not uncommon in many=20
teaching situations ("computer lab" model, as per engineering
schools). =20
I don't think it's fair or accurate to suggest that it's "time=20
tested old ways against doomed fantasies". Teachers who have no
interest in using the new facilities will still have plenty of
opportunities not to do so. =20
But some of us have no intention of sticking with chalk boards=20
and considering this adequate. Many students are of the same mind
(or at least that's how they're answering our surveys).
Kirby
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