CUTL 5106 Assignment 2:

How do you currently make decisions about what technology to use for
teaching?
In my teaching I use a variety of technology such as computers,
projectors, Internet, textbook or research texts. The choice of
technology is based on what I am comfortable with and will benefit the
entire group. I attempt to use a variety of teaching methods, teaching
media and technology in the hope of catering to the diversity of
learners within the group.
Postgraduate students are in different locations and in different
islands. They are fulltime doctors employed in practices. They have
competing interests like balancing time to attend classes with job or
family responsibilities. Thus face-to-face is not possible routinely. Thus
the course modules are taught using blackboard collaborate using live
media via videoconferencing. The instructors role may be central but
participants provide input using this chat room media and learning is
interactive and thus suitable to postgrad adult experiential learners.
These sessions may be recorded and subsequently recast as a form of
asynchronous medium where candidates can access the recorded
online sessions at their convenience.
Clinical skills are taught by face-to-face clinical workshops
because skill building is best taught by direct observation and practice
and immediate feedback. Thus annually students will meet in Barbados
for clinical workshops. They are also required to do a specified number
of hours of clinical sessions, which requires direct interaction with
patients while being observed by a clinical supervisor.
Communication Skills is taught with use of video. Candidates
videotape themselves in consultation with patients in their offices. The
entire group would look at these video consultations. Each student is
allowed to give self-feedback on his/her own consultations and all
candidates receive feedback on their consultation skills. This form of
communicative media is very effective in the mature group of learners
(postgraduates).
Teaching of first year students (undergrads) is done mainly by
face-to-face sessions in the lecture room with use of the computer and
projector and use of PowerPoint slides. This method of synchronous
and mainly broadcast media is more suited to a younger less mature
audience who are at university fulltime and has fewer competing
interests. The lecture slides are also posted on the eLearning site so
that students can access later at their convenience for review. Thus,
synchronous media in the lecture is used as asynchronous media.
Case Based Tutorials are a form of synchronous, communicative
media used. Learning is interactive in small groups. Students use texts,
lecture notes, Internet, experts as technologies to enable learning.

Year 4 clinical students are taught by face-to-face in clinical

practice. This involves teaching with patients and building of practical
skills in patient consultations. Students may also use text, graphics or
video to enhance their learning.
Decision-making with regards to the best technology to use for
teaching is not an easy task and often times require trial and
evaluation. Technology keeps evolving and the teacher is faced with
the challenge of keeping up to date with new advances. For me, the
decision is based on level of comfort and reaching all students.