Innovation and Technology: Two Key Ingredients for Improving Preparation and Transition to College

Hi, HAL

• Non-invasive brain scanning capabilities are growing exponentially.
• Reverse engineering of the brain and other software techniques make machines more than human in many ways.
• “Will I dream, Doctor?”

Convergence in Learning

• Neuroscience

• Information
• Technology

• Assessment

• Learners

• Diagnosis, Response and “Treatment”

Inherent IT Advantages in Education?

• Customization and individualization
• Democratization of access, content and tools
• Non-linearity
• Place indifference
• Availability of changeable content
• The elimination of rote tasks in teaching and learning

Inherent IT Advantages in Education?

• More time to focus on only that which a human can do well
• Instant access human knowledge in all forms
• Overlaying data on our experiences
• Sharing
• Collaboration
• Input and outcome analysis

Are We Taking Advantage of the Inherent Advantages of IT in Education?

• Ummm…No

What Is Most Out of Whack?

• The Carnegie Unit credit hours
• Linearity
• Grades
• Subjects
• Learning to remember rather than learning to learn
• Education is expected to cure all with out concomitant resources

What Is Most Out of Whack?

• Assessment is misapplied with too many high-stakes low-yield tests and not enough low-stakes
• high-yield tests.
• The policy response is inadequate to the amount of change, the size of the challenge and the importance of the outcome.

Courseware

• 1: Each academic program has an articulated curriculum.
• 2: Each class has specified goals
• and objectives.
• 3: Standards and the method of assessment are agreed upon.
• 4: Student achievement level and learning style are assessed.