Disruptive Technology UNB

Don't jump on the MOOC bandwagon just yet!

Its best not to see lecture and educational technology as either/or, bad/good. If educational technology does not improve lectures and teaching/learning in general in ways that nothing else can, then it should not be used. There is, however, lots of good brain and teaching methods research on which to base effective ways of using educational technology to improve student learning. I've got lots of it here in TLS, and part of our committee work could be to create a repository of this research and details of the associated educational technology methods that have been proven to work. Faced with research-based evidence, most instructors are willing to incorporate new methods.

I'm looking forward to starting my MOOC on Disruptive Technology through Coursera. Sure, a good lecture is great, but I like the prospect of watching a great lecture at home by the fire. Plus, I like the idea of getting content delivered to me by some of the most highly rated teachers/researchers in the world... for free at that!

I like the fact that they limited their predictions to 2013--a reasonable window. Anything beyond that gets pretty fuzzy. Re. online education: given that the PC still reigns as the 'de facto' device, it makes one wonder if much effort needs to be put in development for smaller devices. Perh. it's enough to develop apps that act as 'flags', and incite users to use their PC for more details. (That's the way I use the technology, by the way.)

"We are approaching a tipping point where education and educators can use technology to reach almost every person on the planet inexpensively. However, the result may not look like the conventional university experience we recognize today".

Ken, this could be a good thing, but difficult for traditional university educators to adjust to, perhaps more difficult for the educators than for the students. Just a thought.

Interesting predictions!  Most involve technology of course.

Interesting that this organization is planning to offer credits for these courses. That is one more step encroaching on the turf of established brick&mortar, as well as online universities.

A possible speaker