I was reading an article recently that highlighted that not only do the respected major universities overseas offer their content online but Australian institutions are following suit. The article started, "Missed a lecture? It's probably online. Forgotten the building technique you just learned? Refer to the instruction video on your iPod. The book isn't on the shelf? Search for it in the E-library."
Having such content online has certainly improved over time. But the point the article was highlighting was how do you find it the content? Does a simple Google search provide you with everything you need to know? The article quoted University of Western Sydney (UWS) pro-vice chancellor for learning and teaching, Professor Stuart Campbell, "Most young people have a pocket full of electronic devices and are huge users of social networking sites and messaging, but a lot of that is superficial. No matter how smart they are with technology, when students start using technology at uni, they have to prepare for a much deeper use. When they're searching for resources, they can't get away with a quick Google search - they need to put a lot more skill into finding things."
UWS now offer a range of workshops to bridge the gap in using gadgets versus technology. Most subjects have their own websites for students to access notes, lectures and communicate via forums with other students or with academic staff. Many universities offer wireless networks to make it more flexible to study while on campus.
Professor Campbell expects to see a greater move towards tertiary institutions delivering information via smaller devices. Will it replace face-to-face learning? "Learning is...a social experience. What we will be seeing more of is blended learning - human interaction with support from technology."
Source: Sydney Daily Telegraph (20 February 2009 - "Savvy Gen Y must dig deeper")
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