Journal #1

“Professors adjust their methods to reach technology-savvy generation” by Eleanor Yang Su.

This article gives a concrete description of the constantly changing atmosphere of a classroom inside and out. What I really liked about this article was how it reminds me of an average day on Cal State San Marcos. I say this because all you ever see are students and professors lost in “cyberspace” through their cell phones, laptops or video games. I can recall one time in my previous classes there was a gentleman who did play poker right next to me all class session long. This was not a large class either consisting of twenty eight students approx. It was cool but extremely distracting! I actually caught my self disappointed when he would lose a hand (I love poker). This is why I keep my computer at home where it should be. Something else that caught my attention was the discussion about “remote answering devices”. This year I have my first class (HIST) that involves one of these devices. It is an easy way to take role, receive/send answers but slightly expensive. I guess that is the cost of technology and an easy way for “the teacher to connect to the students using technology.”

Question 1: Is technology a disruption or a future succession for the classroom? Personally I feel like technology will only help students learn. The way technology is orchestrated in the classroom will determine the classes’ technological worth. If laptops are a distraction in the classroom it will then be the professor’s job to regiment the classroom in some orderly fashion.

Question 2: Should On-line courses be available? Why? Why not? Yes, they should be. It’s easier for the students as well as the teachers to grade, ask questions, submit assignments and organize information.