Technology re-invents, broadens the learning experience

Susan Shapiro, IU East

Shapiro (at left)

In the experience of Susan Shapiro, associate professor of psychology at IU East, technology re-invents and broadens learning. Initially, students learn the technology to get better in an academic area. But as they use it, they develop other cognitive skills, strengthen other areas of critical thinking and move their thinking to higher levels of sophistication. Shapiro cites the contrast between doing statistics by hand and with software. Statistical programs move the focus off the tedium of calculating, freeing students to concentrate on what the data mean. "Instead of regarding statistics as just more math, technology tools enable us to help students see it as interpretation and logic," said Shapiro. Similarly, in learning PowerPoint to give a professional presentation, students also learn how to structure their writing and organize a presentation‹skills that are difficult to teach.

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