Adult Learning: Instructional Technology Interview

I recently conducted an interview with Dr. Vince Miller, Director, Educational Technology Center, at Johnson County Community College. The context of this interview focused on an emerging instructional technology. Dr. Miller chose to discuss the use of instructional video as an emerging technology and how this technique can be used as a Web 2.0 tool.

During the course of the interview, Dr. Miller explained how the use of instructional video can provide students with an opportunity to view lectures outside of class time, be used as a study aid, or be reviewed if the student happens to miss a class. The example he used was in the Dental Hygiene program. Sometimes trying to show students how to perform a certain procedure on a patient while having 25 students look on, can be a bit crowded and difficult to view. However, if an instructor records the procedure and then places the recorded video in a course shell located on Learning Management System (LMS), then students may have the opportunity to view the procedure more clearly.

Dr. Miller explained the use of some of the Camtasia products or even YouTube that can be used by faculty members to record screen captures and lecture. This procedure can then allow students to view the lecture after class if something was unclear, missed, or serve as a review. The Flipped Classroom model can be implemented very easily using this instructional technique. Students can be required to view the recorded videos/lectures, or procedures before class and then come to class prepared to engage in more active, problem-based, "hands-on" learning.

Lastly, Dr. Miller discussed how this technology can lend itself to digital storytelling, allows students the opportunity to create their own videos, and provides the Educational Technology Center staff and faculty members feedback regarding how to most appropriately meet the technology support students may need.

Click on the link below to listen to the interview I conducted with Dr. Vince Miller:

Adult Learning: Instructional Technology Interview

In conclusion, this reaffirmed the importance of selecting appropriate technologies in order to most effectively meet the needs of adult learners, regardless of whether the adult learner is a student or faculty member. As we have discussed in class, the importance of creating learning environments that increase social presence, stimulate active and problem-based learning as well as being transformational and experiential, can not be stressed enough. The use of instructional video can increase the likelihood of creating learning environments that produce the aforementioned student learning outcomes and allow faculty members the opportunity to engage in professional development and instructional design.

Additional Resources:

Below are a few videos you may find useful and informative:

Tips For Creating Quality Instructional Screencasts

The Flipped Classroom Model

What is Digital Storytelling?

Innovative Faculty: Developing a Learner-Centered Instructional Philosophy