Title: Back to the Future
Author: Renatodanstasc
Source: Back to the future | Cartaz | renatodantasc | Flickr
License: CC 2.0
After listening to Dr. George Veletsianos’ podcast, I kept reflecting on the classic Back to the Future movie. With all the technological advancements I have experienced, my mind traveled back to my past. George’s references to using VCRs to now YouTube were so relatable. I recall rolling the TV/VCR combo on a cart down the school hallway and being relieved when everything worked as the students were thrilled to be watching a movie or documentary. George’s advice to approach carefully and to clearly understand history is impactful.
I am like some of the educators George mentioned, who are fascinated by the possibilities of technology. I was always the teacher who got excited about new educational technology opportunities and volunteered to be part of the trials. I often was found comprehending why some of my colleagues hesitated to embrace these changes. When George discussed how technological change can become tiresome, I also reflected that I have more understanding of others’ perspectives now. For example, are we changing to have the latest technology trend without understanding its value? This question often still needs to be answered before diving into a technology purchase.
An example is the ‘no significant difference phenomenon’ regarding replacing existing technology with new technology that will not change the outcomes. This phenomenon was new to me. My college’s Learning Management System (LMS) immediately sprung to mind. In the past couple years, my college changed its LMS platform. The new LMS incorporates the latest trend of using ‘intelligent agents’ which can assist in flagging early alert responses to help students. However, maintenance with these intelligent agents can be difficult to manage. In turn, instructors are not keen to adopt. As George described ‘pedagogical agents’ and I’m currently using ‘intelligent agents,’ I wonder what the future holds in the educational realm of agents. Another important aspect to consider regarding this change in the implementation of an enterprise-wide LMS is how it has positively impacted the students. Plus, it is doubtful that the financial implications will ever be fully realized.
As the MALAT program progresses, I anticipate more discussion around AI. George scratched the surface of AI and its impact on assessments. Every post-secondary instructor that I am currently involved with in Manitoba discusses the best way to approach assessment practices since technology like ChatGPT is widely embraced. My college’s IT program has returned to George’s example of conducting oral assessments due to AI and its coding capabilities. However, some instructors have pushed back on this approach and advise that AI should be embraced in students’ learning and assessments because they will use AI in their future employment. I look forward to exploring this topic further and hope we can learn more from George on this engaging subject.
This opportunity to reflect on the past and ponder the future was insightful. Other topics I will very much enjoy exploring with George if I ever chat with him would be …
– to learn more about his change in attitude on open education and the connection to power and prestige.
– to analyze the topic of indirect instruction and direct instruction and their impact on students.
– to thank him for his advice about reading broadly and approaching systematic reviews was helpful. As I read George’s Learning Online book, I have many questions for him about the different types of students he focuses on throughout the chapters.
– to ask George to share his booklist of top 20 favourites!
References
Veletsianos, G. (2020). Learning online: The student experience. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins University Press.
Veletsianos, G. (2023, August 14). LRNT 522 Questions & Answers about Research by George Veletsianos: Teams One, Two, and Three Responses.
Loni B. Davis
Yes, to AI or not to AI is an interesting debate even just within the field of education!