Introduction

Hi,

It is great to see some familiar names again and I look forward to interacting with you online and consequently further developing my thoughts about this form of learning. Last semester I completed four papers of the Masters so I am now half way through.

I work at Unitec on a bridging programme. We are very much encouraged to implement technology in our teaching and given that Unitec is spread over three campuses the various forms of technology are also another way of keeping us as lecturers in touch with each other.

I personally believe that that technology can be used to enhance learning but it is important to decide first upon the objective of the task and then decide which tools will enhance this learning because different tools are useful for different purposes. For example, normally a Facebook posting does not have the same rigor as an academic essay for which something like Google Docs could be used.

Further, I believe that where possible, face to face interaction is important. This would be supported particularly by Sanders (2006) who notes the importance of social contact. So for my students, I don’t see online learning as a replacement for classroom learning, but rather as a way to enhance and deepen their learning.

Sanders, R. (2003). The Imponderable Bloom: Reconsidering the Role of Technology in Education. Innovate Journal of Online Education, 2(6).