Getting lost in the technology

I  use the ipad for the course content in VIS 332 (Graphic Design 3) and VIS 334 (Design Production 3) which just wrapped up. The students spent the semester learning the skills to create websites. The last project was a responsive design that would change layouts for desktop, tablet and mobile. This involved fluid grids, flexible images, media queries, and dynamic content. It was challenging for them especially since the content had to be the same but the layout changed with the different device.  It requires more project planning (sketching, wireframing and prototyping) than students like to do and working with HTML as early as possible (using Photoshop for creating assets rather than full layouts) something students also don't like doing.

The projects were submitted the first week of December and were disappointing. The layouts were incomplete, unbalanced and didn't function properly.  The next class, I gave them a 4 hour assignment to use all the content they had amassed for the website and create a collateral print product. It was quite surprising. They came up with better print layouts in 4 hours then the 12 hours of class time they had for the websites. Many of the print designs appeared to have more design elements and layout strategies then their websites. The following class I did a critique showing them the print designs and the web designs side by side.  When I asked them why they were different, they said that they were more comfortable designing for print. They thought better in print. They got lost in the technology.

"So use that. Start with what you know."  

With every new design project that is assigned, I told them to start with what they know.  Design a collateral product for print before starting the web design project. Have an interactive experience to design? Just make up a "fake" collateral print product, then use those design elements and decisions made for the print project in the  the project planning, wireframes and prototyping for the website design and construction. Don't design the layout for the website, Start with what you know. I actually think I saw some lightbulbs.

The tablet was useful for this project because the students got to see the site they were constructing on the device. We also viewed them on some phones. But this project was not just about the use of technology because it is easy to get lost in technology. I found that this is true and not only applies to my design lesson but could be applied to a lot of situations and circumstances.  The answer? Start with what we know and then use technology to enhance the experience.

Free Apple's apps

I recently upgraded my iPhone to iPhone 5c when I saw a deal from Bestbuy plus I wanted to give myself an early Christmas gift. I had to do the regular routine to transfer all my data and apps to the new phone. When I updated the apps from the iPhone, there was a message asking do you want to download Page, Number, iPhoto, Keynote, iTune U, Podcasts, GarageBand, and iMovie for free? I said yes of course. 15 mins later, I did get those apps on my iPhone. I immediately got my iPad to see if those apps were available too. Yes, I was able to download them on the iPad for free too with the exception on Page because it requires a password from IT. I guess it is because I have a new apple device or it is just a special day. I hope all of you get this free-apps message when you update your apps next time. Wish you all have a happy holiday and a happy new year.

Semester End

Well, the semester is coming to an end- classes and exams are over, and for many of us, the grades are in. This has been a challenging semester for incorporating the iPod into my courses, but I'm looking forward to using the Human Anatomy app in my Medical Anthropology course and am testing geography based apps for the Globalization course.

Have a wonderful Winter Break- see you all in 2014.

End of the iPad Semester

After attending the CTLT iPad grant meeting from November I decided to deeply reflect on what was discussed. The discussion reminded me of similar discussions that I've had with training professionals about the use of technology in their organizational education initiatives. In many cases, training and development professionals try to use technology to create better organizational learning amongst employees only to find that the technology wasn't the solution they were looking for. I've gone through this example simply to show that technology is a tool that needs to be used judiciously. These past few months of using the iPad in the classroom have been very informative. The iPad is a tool that's extremely useful in the development of course material however my usage of it in class has been limited at best.

One issue that arose during the CTLT iPad grant meeting was how the iPad changes your presentation style. I wanted to talk about an issue that I've had with using the iPad in the classroom. When I first got the iPad I imagined that it would help me be more mobile in the classroom. I tend to move around the classroom as a way of engaging students. I use PowerPoint in the classroom and I find that I am constantly moving back to the podium to move to my next slide.

I imagined that the iPad would solve this situation. That I would be able to move freely while using the iPad. Without the correct attachment though you're not going to get that kind of result so through most of this semester I've been doing my little dance back and forth between the audience and the podium. I'm looking forward to using the iPad and having it serve as an accessory that serves me as I move between the screen and the audience.

That idea of the iPad as an accessory to my teaching is what I want to highlight in today's post. The idea that I've read in some education blogs that the iPad by itself will revolutionize teaching seems far fetched to me. PowerPoint didn't revolutionize teaching it just added another tool in our arsenal. When we consider the use of technology we need to be more judicious in how we envision the technology as a tool for our teaching style and approach. Too often we're caught up in the glitz and glamor or a shiny new object. We are the instructors not the device.

I'll be designing some additional methods to use the iPad more judiciously in my classes next semester. I plan on using it to help me move with a purpose. Rather than aimlessly moving back and forth I'd like to use my physical movements (coupled with the iPad) to engage my students in a more active learning process. Stay tuned to this blog to find out how that works out!

I hope everyone has a great end of semester and that we continue to work together and share our best practices for this cool piece of technology.