How Do Professors and Administrations Need to Cope

With Students’ Constantly Advancing Use of Technology?

Angela Januzzi

September 17, 2007

Though not shocking, the results of a study performed by the Educause Center for Applied Research shows that students are using technology more fluently than ever. However, the report did reveal some insightful findings about just how that technological fluency can be used to enhance the student learning experience.

While nearly seventy-four percent of students possess laptop computers, and the number of students who own any type of computer is now at ninety-eight percent, administrators should not be distracted by the fact that their student bodies now are mostly “digital natives.” Rather, a large amount of students surveyed were fervent in their advice that technological savvy in the classroom is no exchange for solid teaching skills.

One student’s comments from the survey emphasized a point that all schools, whether online or campus, need to adhere to: “IT is not a good substitute for good teaching,” argues the student comment. “Good teachers are good with or without IT and students learn a great deal from them. Poor teachers are poor with or without IT and students learn little from them.”

Source: “Students’ Evolving use of Technology.” www.insidehighered.com. Posted: September 17, 2007.