Technology can make our life better, but can it do everything for us?
I have this question when I saw news that some local universities loan iPad and iPod Touch to students to encourage them to participate in class. They may send text messages to respond to teachers' questions.
It's difficult to motivate students to speak out in a big lecture class of over 100 students who have been educated in a Chinese culture that regards humility as a virtue. Also, they may feel shy or embarrassed if they give a wrong answer. Giving them an iPad or iPod Touch may help them overcome the barrier. However, there's a danger that they may continue to hide themselves behind the desk. Even if they are willing to text, would they be deprived of the chance to practise their oral communication skills, which is important for interpersonal interactions?
There should be many ways other than resorting to technology to increase student participation.
One effective way is peer encouragement. During a class visit, I found that my colleague requested students to clap their hands whenever their classmate answered a question. No matter whether the answer was good or bad, the gesture of clapping hands showed peer support to the student who might feel more confident to speak out. It also helped create a better atmosphere in class.
In another class visit, I noticed that my colleague put desks together to form a very long table for students to sit together. As students sat close to each other, they were more willing to take part in discussions.
These are only two ideas from my observation. Some good suggestions can also be found on the internet. For example, the webpage of the Teaching Centre at Washington University in St. Louis suggests the following: