How I became interested in this topic...

During my last semester at the University of Michigan, I took a course on exploring the connection between technology and learning. It was a very stimulating and provocative course, challenging the conventional way of learning and teaching. It specifically challenged the way students of the current information age are learning, traditional learning versus learning with hypertextual technological applications . It also challenged the socio-economic implications of the "new literacy". Ironic to most, the class was offered by the English Department at the University, a discipline that is traditionally not open to hypertextual learning.

As there were different disciplines represented in the class from Computer Engineering to Biology, there were very diverse reactions to the reading and writing explored. We utilized a Lotus Notes groupware web site, E-Notebook, for the writings and correspondance for the course. This web-based virtual notebook really set the tone for the nature of the course. The site is password protected so that only students involved in the course can access it.

One interesting aspect of the course was the discussion of the significance, or lack therein, of using computer games to educate children on certain topics. We weren't talking about games that teach children independently of a teacher, but rather games and software that encouraged learning through interacting both with the teacher and the computer. One such site that I found particular interesting was GalapagosQuest Splash , a game exploring mysteries in the Galapagos Islands, near Northern South America. This game is a good way for students to learn geography, while having fun. The students learn valuable information without even knowing it. The teachers are also involved by helping the students to identify the correct geopgraphical location.

Although reactions to hypertextual learning varied throughout the students in the course, in the end practically everyone agreed on some sort of good aspect of hypertexual and technological learning.

Other Thoughts:

On the other hand...

The proof is in the pudding...

So where do we go from here?

Human Interaction with Technology

Bibliography and Interesting Links

Michelle's World