Technology and Learning
Derek Cline
Student
Scottsdale Community College /
Arizona State University

As a student at SCC last year, I was one of a few using technology. My laptop computer made my class notes readable; connecting to Internet resources helped me gather information to complete class projects; and a scheduling program was usually successful at getting me to the right place at the right time. Now, as an ASU student, I find technology around every corner. Classmates communicate through e-mail, teachers post lecture notes on the World Wide Web, and students carry laptops to class. Based on my experiences as a student, I believe there are many advantages to the increasing use of technology as an aide in learning.

Computers have been a hobby of mine for years, but as I've started using them in my learning environment, I've come to see them as a truly powerful tool. The ability to complete tasks such as taking notes and writing papers becomes much different when I have a laptop rather than a pen and paper. Being able to take a laptop computer to class has helped me greatly. Taking notes in class with a computer is a helpful advantage over my poor handwriting, plus I tend to take more complete and detailed notes and it allows me to easily manipulate information later. Using word processing rather than typing or handwriting my papers makes it easier for me to start the writing process as well as easier for me to revise and edit.

Technology has proved a valuable tool in other ways also. The graphing calculator makes a difference in how I learn. The graphing calculator gives me the opportunity to learn advanced math functions while the calculator does the repetitive mechanical tasks. Not only does the calculator save time, it helps me see and understand way more than I would be able to with a pencil and paper. I also like the way many of my homework assignments are changing. For example, by taking advantage of the computer lab for my economics class, I can engage in an interactive learning session that features comprehension questions and gives me immediate feedback instead of sitting home just reading my textbook. In addition, the lab's simulations give me a much better grasp of the concepts.

I also appreciate the way my classrooms are being impacted by technology. Instructors are beginning to integrate computers into the normal class structure. I was fortunate to be on a special pilot team at SCC with psychology instructor Bernie Combs where our task was to build a computer application lab to teach concepts of psychology to future college students. In this particular situation, technology brought together four intelligent college students and gave us an opportunity to build a better instrument for learning. Working together, we researched information from a variety of CD-ROM sources, gathered current data via the Internet, and designed graphics on computers. The process used in this class was more than a lesson in using computers; we all learned the real meaning of the word "teamwork." Some teachers are also using computers inside the classroom to add spice to their lectures. For example, my accounting teacher at ASU delivers computer-aided lectures with elements such as animated charts, movies, and pictures to help us understand concepts and keep us interested. And, to make sure a lecture has its full impact on learning, she offers students a copy of the cross-platform presentation to take home and play on their home computer systems, be it Mac or PC.

With my thirst for knowledge and skill with computers, I feel I have the opportunity to learn more in classes that take advantage of technology resources than in traditional print-on-paper classes. I say I "have the opportunity to learn more" because even though I find all this technology cool, it is just a tool I use. I still have to study. I still have to figure out what is important and learn it. I still have to think, and I still have to use my own mind to relate information to real life experiences. Technology has simply given me the chance to do some tasks better and faster, and have fun while I am learning.