When I first started in my ETEC journey, my definition of technology was very general. Just as Muffoletto (1994) describes, I thought of it “in terms of gadgets, instruments, machines, and devices” that assist humans in achieving a task. But as I journey through this program, my ideas of technology started to change, particularly in regards to educational technologies. As such, the definition by Jonassen (2000) really resonates with me. I feel in order for something to be considered an educational technology it should have the features of what Jonassen (2000) terms “mind tools”; those tools which help construct knowledge, not just disseminate information to the learner. This leads to a deeper understanding of information and internalization/reorganization within the learner.
In regards to design of my ideal TELE in med ed, it would be a small room that looks like of the picture below from minority report (TV show).
Minority Report
A group of 5-8 students, would work around together around technology enhanced table to do problem based learning. The technology would be used to organize their collaborative thoughts, collect data, communicate ideas between members, and manipulate certain parameters (if appropriate) in order to progress through a medical problem. I think educational technology should be a tool that helps construct knowledge, and the environment should allow for collaboration and team work.
I really like that in your ideal TELE you include the manipulation of parameters as part of the problem solving aspect. It is not only important to include opportunities for students to collaborate, they should be given a task that they need to change in order to solve the task or problem at hand. Great connection to Minority Report as well!
Thanks Jocelynn! I love visuals!
Hi Momoe,
I connected with your point regarding technology being a device, etc. One course that I found really useful in this program was ETEC 540, which looks at different tools explored over time, simple tools that may seem outdated now, but were transformative during their point in history. For example, I looked at how the history of the pen and paper has changed over time, and it is remarkable to see the progression of this technological tool adapt to new environments. Your point about mind tools is so important, a tool is nothing unless used effectively. As well, your image is perfect to describe what students are expected to do on a daily basis, communicate and collaborate.
I took that course too! I looked into the printing press and how it changed medicine. I really liked the historical component, and makes you wonder what people are going to say about how we are doing things today!
Med ed is really changing now that “knowledge” is so accessible everywhere. It’s starting to look more at the process of problems solving rather than the answer to the problem itself.
I like the fact that brought in pop culture (Minority Report) into the post.
I wonder if pop culture could be brought into the classroom to “help construct knowledge, not just disseminate information to the learner”
A good next step might be to find out if schools are using “technology enhanced tables”.
Christopher
We definitely are not that advanced. No smart boards either. Each student just brings their own laptop. There’s still communication between the members but no way to visually collaborate on the spot. Some groups use the white board (the regular one) to organize the group’s thoughts, but then there’s no way to take that home with them. . . though some groups have taken pictures of it.