Teaching in a world of ubiquitous data access

Abstract

Today’s students are “digital natives”, having grown up with ready access to the internet and thus to a world of information. Do we still expect our students to memorize facts and formulae in this new era or should we be exploring new ways to prepare them for their chosen professions and to function in our participatory democracy? What should be taught – dates, names, workplace skills, ways of thinking, learning skills – and how? And how can we better assess that learning? A panel of four faculty members, representing the sciences, history, communication, and engineering, will discuss how their teaching and assessment methodologies have changed in response to technological advances affecting students. Our panel will also discuss the traits of the “digital native” and how their learning interactions might be different than earlier student cohorts. Effects on distance learning will also be addressed. After brief presentations by each panelist, attendees will be invited to ask questions and/or contribute to the learning process.