Teaching and learning in the digital age: A curtain call for the sage on the stage?
Written by America Blasco
"...Students have better educational experiences when teachers and students actively collaborate in the process of
knowledge building and idea improvement."
– Jacobsen, 2010, para.9
Introduction
Over the past decade, information technologies have evolved and proliferated to such an extent that individuals are rarely detached from the continuous stream of digitally mediated experiences, reflections, opinions and insights that the internet provides. These new information technologies are also increasingly challenging the traditional instructional teaching methods in post-secondary education. Fully remote and hybrid models of course delivery such as the “blended” or “flipped classroom” have become a popular strategy to accommodate the needs of the digitally-immersed, globalized student. Is this the curtain call for face-to-face teaching and learning? This paper presents research on the opportunities and challenges for both the instructor and the student with face-to-face and online formats. The findings lead to an appreciation of the possibilities of online teaching and learning while at the same time attesting to the increasing importance of face to face learning environments.
Over the past decade, information technologies have evolved and proliferated to such an extent that individuals are rarely detached from the continuous stream of digitally mediated experiences, reflections, opinions and insights that the internet provides. These new information technologies are also increasingly challenging the traditional instructional teaching methods in post-secondary education. Fully remote and hybrid models of course delivery such as the “blended” or “flipped classroom” have become a popular strategy to accommodate the needs of the digitally-immersed, globalized student. Is this the curtain call for face-to-face teaching and learning? This paper presents research on the opportunities and challenges for both the instructor and the student with face-to-face and online formats. The findings lead to an appreciation of the possibilities of online teaching and learning while at the same time attesting to the increasing importance of face to face learning environments.
