Developing Apps as a Multi-Function Teaching Tool
George Wyner, Professor of Systems Analysis & Design in the Management and Information Systems major in the Carroll School of Management at Boston College, adopted the Mendix low-code app development platform as the primary technology used for the information systems course he teaches. "The reason for bringing it into the curriculum is two-fold, the first reason, many of my students come to my course with varied background and comfort level in coding, which can make it a challenge to ensure all students are learning core concepts without it being too simple or overwhelming depending on their skill level. The second reason is the built-in tools for collaboration and agile development. This allows students to experience team development using the scrum methodology and to gain familiarity with critical technologies and skills such as sharing code via a code repository and managing a backlog of user stories."
Ten New Technologies Transforming the Classroom
Ten New Technologies Transforming the Classroom
Today’s college students are among the first generation who grew up with computers and cell phones and smart devices. For many of them, computers and tablets in the classroom were commonplace from elementary school through high school. Every step of their formal learning experiences involved technology, and that’s the same kind of experience they expect in the college classroom. As Lindsey Havens, senior marketing manager with PhishLabs, stated, "Technology is changing the landscape of many industries including education."
According to CompTIA’s report, "The Changing Classroom: Perspectives from Students and Educators on the Role of Technology," school staff said the key benefit they seek to derive from technology is to improve student performance. Other key benefits of using technology in the learning process included making learning more engaging and interesting; having real-time electronic access to student data to track performance; online learning; and helping students to keep pace in a digital economy. In addition, 75 percent of educators saw positive or very positive effects from technology when applied to the education process.
Here are ways that college professors are taking advantage of the technology students currently use and adding new technologies to enhance the teaching and learning experiences.
