A Catalyst for Effective Teaching and Learning
Simone Laughton
How can instructors ensure that they are "penetrating the first row" to engage students and convert them into active learners? Judith Poë, Senior Lecturer and Associate Chair of the U of T Mississauga Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, shares her quest to address this question through the integration of sound pedagogical approaches and the exploration of various technologies to enhance teaching and learning. In this 'Teaching with Technology' article, Judith Poë provides a Chemistry Instructor's perspective of the benefits of employing Problem-Based Learning on the web, and she discusses when cooperative face-to-face learning strategies may be most helpful.
In addition, Judith provides insight regarding what has worked and not worked in regard to various technologies such as:
- Computer Assisted Learning
- Dedicated Problem-Based Learning Bulletin Boards
- Virtual Laboratory
- Virtual Office Hours
Finally, she concludes by drawing our attention to examples of innovative technology and places where we need to focus our attention to move higher education forward in the next 5-10 years.