Chris O'Hagan (C.M.Ohagan@derby.ac.uk)
Mon, 16 Nov 1998 10:58:27 +0000
From: "Chris O'Hagan" <C.M.Ohagan@derby.ac.uk> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 10:58:27 +0000 Subject: [ifets] Re:enjoyability and flexibility
Hi
I think we can get overzealous in our analysis of what is wrong with
lectures. Like all methods of teaching they encompass a wide range
of possibilities, from the exciting but not interactive through the
simply tedious to the exciting and interactive. They have their uses
and I have been inspired by some lectures when at university and
angry at the insult to my patience and intelligence from others. We
don't need to abolish lectures - we need fewer and better. Students
can't be interactive all day long, it would be exhausting - we need
a variety of approaches which balance interactivity, activity,
listening, talking, thinking, reflecting etc. Lectures have a part
to play in providing such variety.
I agree with a lot that Martin Owen says about technology, but again
this is an argument that can be overplayed. There is a lot to be
said about local customisation, there is a lot to be said for
regional collaboration in developing resources, there is a lot to be
said about providing some core materials on a national and even
international basis. We need a balance. In fact this is precisely
what happens with print-based materials. There is no reason why it
should not be the case with video/ computers etc, except that these
media have been dominated by 'experts' who demand the same
standards of production regardless of what is fit for purpose, and
have persuaded teachers that they can't work in these media without a
team of experts on hand - and I speak as someone who provides such a
team of experts, but who also encourages teachers to do it themselves
when appropriate. Technology is in a permanent state of being
deskilled by developments in the domestic market. Absurd not to take
advantage of this, and let teachers create the video or computer
equivalent of the photocopied handout, workbook, guide, etc, plus new
ideas for interactive materials these media propose.
Chris O'Hagan
============================================
Christopher O'Hagan
Dean of Learning Development
Centre for Educational Development and Media
University of Derby
Kedleston Road
DERBY, DE22 1DA
England
Tel: +44 (0)1332 622262 (direct)
Fax: +44 (0)1332 622772
Email: c.m.ohagan@derby.ac.uk
WWW: http://www.derby.ac.uk/cedm/welcome.html
CEDM is home to a Teaching and Learning Technology
Support Network Centre, one of nine in the UK offering
free support to UK Higher Education Institutions:
tltsn@derby.ac.uk
Without Contraries is no progression - Wm Blake
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