August 2020 TLC tech tie-in: But students already know how to do that- integrating technology into the classroom
Posted: August 28, 2020
In the age of laptops and mobile devices, it is often easy to forget that our students may be more apprehensive about using mixed media than we are. The truth is that while students may be familiar with technologies for their personal consumption, they are unsure how to apply them in an academic setting (Cohn and Hewitt 2019).
As a faculty member, this is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate to your students the appropriate ways to use technology, not only for your own classroom and academic needs, but also in the greater context of professional healthcare.
Here are a couple ways you can help your students apply what they know to the academic or clinical setting:
Create a Canvas dashboard: Rather than linking directly to an app or resource you want your students to use, consider instead using the Canvas pages feature to create a dashboard. This dashboard can include passwords or login instructions, images of what the app should look like, an example of what you are looking for and maybe even links to YouTube or other support guides that will help your students know what you are looking for.
Send clear instructions: Although using an app or technology may be second nature to you, make sure that you include clear instructions for students that cover how to login or access the technology, how to use it, and how to turn it in or submit their assignments. Consider reaching out to your colleagues to see if they already have an instruction sheet they can share with you so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Role-model effective use: Show your students how to appropriately use technology in academic, clinical and professional settings. For example, if you have your students use epocrates, consider incorporating it into a case study or simulation scenario.
Read more about helping students to learn with devices from Cohn, Jenae and Renee Hewitt. (2019, April 23) When Bringing Your Own Device Isn’t Enough: Identifying What Digital Literacy Initiatives Really Need. Transforming Higher Ed.