Upside down

traditional lecture is challenged by the students’ increased ownership of digital devices which they introduce into the lecture theater. These devices are, more than often, seen by the lecturers as a source of distraction rather than an aid that enriches the learning experience. These are words of dean Per Borgersen at Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST) in PS Public Service Review.  http://www.publicservice.co.uk/article.asp?publication=European%20Union&id=556&content_name=Science,%20Research%20and%20Technology&article=19490

Teaching as we know it is somehow turned upside down. Students find good stuff online, and they also publish their advises, experiences and so on to support other students. It is of course a challenging situation for lecturers and teachers to cope with all the new online tools and social media.

HiST works hard to explore new ways and new approaches. Second, the lecturers have to learn how to apply and utilize new tools and to realize that new devices could be of great use instead of distractions. There is a great need of competence improvements for teachers, trainers and tutors when it comes to relevant use of online tools. HiST along with Italian, Lithuanian, German and Portugese partners have developed a tailor-made course which is based on the Vitae course model. www.vitae-project.dk for teachers and trainers. Right now the course is piloted in four coutries, and the results might be very interesting. For follow-ups: http://aitel.hist.no/understandit/

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