Learning + Technology = ?
Alan Levine
Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction

Technology -- for some of us, but not all of us -- is becoming like the 800 pound gorilla; you just cannot ignore it. Technology -- for some of us, but not all of us -- has become a social phenomenon. Technology -- for some of us, but not all of us -- supports learning in ways only previously imagined.

The question for many is, "How do we really know technology can increase learning?" In "Technology Wars: Winners & Losers" (Educom Review, March/April 1997) Tom Russell of North Carolina State University writes: "Individual differences in learning styles dictate that technology will facilitate learning for some, but will probably inhibit learning for others, while the remainder experience no significant difference."

Russell has compiled the results of hundreds of distance learning studies (see http://tenb.mta.ca/phenom/phenom.html) that report the net result of technology is "no significant difference" in learning.

Yikes!

It's not that technology is worthless. Russell's point is that it cannot be used as a singular approach to teaching or learning. And, rather than justifying it with studies comparing "traditional" and "technology" courses, we should be pursuing the integration of technology that is mindful of the diversity of learning styles.

What we do know about technology and learning is framed by our experiences. At Maricopa, we have experience. In this issue of the Labyrinth, we share some of them. Donna Tannehill, Rio Salado College, speaks about her assumptions and lessons learned about using technology. In her continuing column, Jon Lea Fimbres writes of the "Then and Now" in her transition from Paradise Valley Community College to a three-year stay in Cairo. In an interview with Gail Jamieson (Phoenix College), we hear about the development of the PC Graphics Art program and the role of technology in art. Jackie Fergusson (GateWay Community College) describes the use of computers in science labs. Derek Cline describes how he has used technology as a student at Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University. Andrea Greene provides some preliminary results of the Flashlight Project, designed to evaluate the impact of technology on higher education. Finally, Tom Lombardo of Rio Salado College outlines a futurist's perspective of technology. Also, throughout this Labyrinth, we share some student quotes about learning.

The answers about the impact of technology will remain elusive. But we'll keep asking the questions and learn something along the way . . . and we'll keep a careful eye on that gorilla.