It takes a substantial effort to change one's thinking. Having read Duffelmeyer's conclusion that TA's may be scared of new technology at the outset and Vie's conclusion that social media is a creative tool for inclusion into the classroom, I have discovered that a challenge of 21st Century course design is knowing when it is appropriate to seek out new components for learning. Today's students are much more technologically savvy than my generation, which is caught in an ever-advancing tech society that was not previously acknowledged in the classroom. The key, from what I gleaned from Duffelmeyer and Vie, is almost to think of myself as part of the generation I am teaching.
Not only will that keep me focused on current trends in technology, but it will prevent a so-called "generation gap" from developing within the classroom. If I can continuously update my course as years progress, I will stay ahead of the curve. Or, at the very least, run side by side with my students. It is crucial when creating a course that I am aware of the technology available to me and the technology that is most familiar to students. With increased knowledge (of technology) comes increased responsibility (of enriching students).
Not only will that keep me focused on current trends in technology, but it will prevent a so-called "generation gap" from developing within the classroom. If I can continuously update my course as years progress, I will stay ahead of the curve. Or, at the very least, run side by side with my students. It is crucial when creating a course that I am aware of the technology available to me and the technology that is most familiar to students. With increased knowledge (of technology) comes increased responsibility (of enriching students).