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Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?

This experiment using Contact North e-learning technology has been an amazing adventure. It all began in May 2008 when David Himmelman, our Program Dean invited me to accompany him to a Contact North workshop about e-learning…it was during this workshop that I became intrigued by the possibilities and the potential uses of this technology to assist in the teaching and learning process...I agreed to pilot one course during the Winter 2009 semester using Contact North technology...little did I realize what fun awaited...

Next, along came Debra Betty, Vice President of Contact North...Debra arranged for Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd to provide me...and a few of my esteemed colleagues...with a rapid adaptation course…Stephen is a most inspiring and extremely intelligent and knowledgeable educator and e-learning pioneer…Stephen's unbridled passion for e-learning and his energy and enthusiasm is contagious. I am quite certain...he does not fully realize the impact he had on this student...many thanks Stephen...be sure to check out his blog...The Murgatroyd Blog...at...
http://themurgatroydblog.blogspot.com/

Not forgotten...are the wonderful tech folks at Contact North and Canadore College...Paul, Erin, and Mike...who continually offered steadfast support throughout this project...if e-learning is to be successful...educators must engage and welcome tech specialists...and fortunately for me...there are none better than those who work at Contact North and Canadore College. Special thanks also to my daughter Emily and son Ben...they both got into the spirit of things and provided me with some great e-learning resources and helpful suggestions...you make the old dog proud.

The value of e-learning is not in the technology itself…but, rather in how the technology is used. E-learning may not be for everyone...nor should e-learning be expected to reasonably accommodate every course…but, properly used…e-learning offers today’s students a flexible, relevant, timely, and efficient course delivery system.

Came across an interesting article titled Farewell Lecture? (January 2009 edition of Science magazine)...written by Dr. Eric Mazur, a physics professor at Harvard University. Professor Mazur challenges the assumption that we know what education is...he claims that for many...our current education model is viewed simply as a transfer of information from teacher to student...Mazur argues this model should be turned upside down...students should become increasingly more responsible for using technology to collect, evaluate, and share learning resources...this approach would help develop independent learners and critical thinkers.

I found Mazur's article insightful...it identifies the urgent need for educators to do a reality check....today's students are part of a wired generation that allows them access to information on virtually any topic...why then would any educator insult students by having them report to class only to transfer information that is readily available online?...further, and this is a tough one if you are an educator...arguably, chances are the online resources are more exciting (You Tube, Podcasts, etc)and effective than standard classroom activity...to remain relevant to our learners...educators must not shun technology...

Before signing off on this last post…it must be acknowledged that I was blessed to have an understanding, patient, and receptive group of students who willingly embraced this pilot project…it made all the difference...thank you to all my 2009 Year I Recreation students...you are awesome and you taught me more than you will ever know...

In class, I too often remind my students of a few of my favourite quotes about learning...learning is a lifelong activity...learning is a change in behaviour...learning is all about process not content...well, together my students and I have learned a lot this semester. Hopefully, other Canadore College faculty and students will have the opportunity to experience e-learning...it is a trip worth taking...

For expert information about Contact North and e-learning courses simply contact:

Debra Betty, Vice President, Contact North
debra@contactnorth.ca

A final note…in the upcoming Fall 2009 semester...all three of my courses will be offered online through Contact North…Yes, it seems you really can teach an old dog new tricks.

That's it folks...the Rec130 e-learning pilot project and this blog are now officially history...it has been a blast...all the best my good friends.

THE END...