Technology or Teaching

I wasn't about to make it to class this week due to a snafu with my comprehensive exams schedule; however, after going through the pre-class work and the links on D2L, I can write a bit on teaching or technology spurring learning.

It's a bit of both. The best technology in the world cannot make up for poor teaching. However, good teaching can be elevated with the use of technology. Clickers are a great way to spur class engagement as it empowers students who may be too shy to speak up during class. The effectiveness of clickers in improving public participation in urban planning has been well documented (the work of Keiron Bailey and Ted Grossardt is the best example). In their work, participants are allowed to rank their concerns and values for a project (say a new bridge) and then a computer generates a compilation of outcomes that satisfy the majority of those concerns and values. Participants then vote on preferred design strategies that meet these outcomes. This is more effective than traditional public meetings where the public is given 2-3 design treatments (with no prior ask on their values/concerns) to choose from. Often the loudest voices in the room are the ones listened to.

Teaching is similar in that we want to spur participation and engagement in the class...but we don't want it to be dominated by the loudest voices. Technology, such as clickers, lets us empower the quiet voices.