Importance of Technology in Enhancing Learning Experiences

Candy Ho, Faculty Member, The Educational Studies Department, Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Candy Ho, Faculty Member, The Educational Studies Department, Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Candy Ho, an educator, facilitator, and intrapreneur, is a faculty member at the Educational Studies Department of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her areas of expertise include career education and development, teaching and learning, and student success. Dr. Ho is also the Chair of CERIC, a national organization that promotes career development research and education. She has authored articles and delivered talks on the role of career development in building resilient and equitable future success and has won multiple awards for teaching, research, and service excellence.

In an exclusive interview with Education Technology Insights Canada, Candy Ho shares her valuable insights on the importance of advancement in education delivery and continuity in learning.

Can you describe any innovative approaches or initiatives you have implemented to analyze student engagement during your tenure?

I appreciate the interactive and cooperative elements of education, and within the Educational Studies department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, we utilize Moodle as our platform for managing learning activities. Utilizing Moodle's workshop function, students can give each other targeted feedback for peer review activities. The feedback questions are guided by the criteria I provide to ensure their relevance and usefulness. Moreover, I promote the integration of AI technology, such as ChatGPT, for additional feedback consultation and to improve the traditional instructor-student interaction. This enhances the quality of assignments and familiarizes students with tools they are likely to encounter in future professional environments.

I try to achieve student engagement in a classroom through various means. Friendly competitions, such as group-based multiple-choice quizzes, create a dynamic learning environment. Additionally, using polls is an immediate indicator of engagement, prompting students to share insights and opinions. Integrating questions about current statistics, such as the percentage of remote workers in Canada, not only sparks interest but also encourages critical thinking and awareness of real-world trends. These strategies captivate students' attention and deepen their understanding and application of course concepts.

What specific technology or trend in the student engagement department piques your interest?

Adapting to today's world is difficult, particularly for our students, who frequently juggle multiple life roles and responsibilities. This can have an impact on their well-being and mental health—a concern that weighs heavily on my mind. Technology, while incredibly useful, presents a paradox. On the other hand, it can enrich learning experiences, like our online peer review system through Moodle, which encourages collaboration and skill development. However, with individuals sometimes glued to their phones or laptops when they should be fully engaged in synchronous class, it is evident that technology also poses distractions.

To address this, I adopt a balanced approach, capitalizing on technology when it enhances our curriculum and learning outcomes. For example, while we use online peer reviews, I incorporate traditional, in-person peer review sessions into our face-to-face meetings to accommodate different learning preferences. This hybrid approach promotes task-focused engagement and cultivates interpersonal skills, critical in our dynamic post-pandemic world.

“I aim to embrace technology in ways that encourage meaningful learning experiences, prepare students for future challenges, and support their overall well-being.”

Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential for further innovations in the classroom, particularly those that bridge the gap between in-person and online learning. Virtual and augmented reality technologies hold promise, offering immersive experiences that go beyond physical boundaries. For example, in our career development courses, I believe that using virtual reality for simulated interviews will provide students with a realistic setting to improve their skills. Virtual school tours also help students see the world more broadly by enabling them to do so from the comfort of their classrooms.

How do you use technology and digital platforms to increase student engagement, especially in remote or hybrid learning environments?

In my role as an instructor for a senior career development course, our class meets just once a month, totalling four meetings per semester. Given this limited face-to-face interaction, we heavily rely on technology, particularly Moodle, to enhance our learning experience.

One notable feature we employ is the peer review component, known as the workshop in Moodle. Here, students assess each other's ePortfolio assignments, offering constructive feedback. This feedback loop fosters continuous improvement as students refine their work based on received critiques.

Additionally, we utilize H5P, a tool that enables interactive content delivery. Instead of passive consumption, students engage with the material through quizzes and matching exercises. Multiple attempts are encouraged, promoting a growth mindset where learning from mistakes is valued.

During unforeseen circumstances like poor weather, we seamlessly transition to online classes using platforms like Zoom. I use Zoom's breakout rooms and polling features to encourage active participation and engagement. The chat function allows for real-time interaction, ensuring students can comfortably participate from their homes.

In what ways does student engagement contribute to student retention and academic success? What steps are being taken to address this issue?

KPU's technology-enhanced classrooms represent a significant advancement in education delivery. Through features like automatic lecture recording and sophisticated cameras that track movement and focus on speakers, these classrooms ensure that students can fully engage with the learning experience, regardless of their physical presence.

The ability for students to join class remotely via platforms like Zoom provides invaluable flexibility, especially for those who cannot attend in person due to illness or other circumstances. By seamlessly integrating online participation with in-person instruction, these technology-enhanced classrooms promote continuity in learning and a sense of belonging for all students.

What advice would you give your fellow faculty members?

Acknowledging the diverse student population and their needs is crucial, and involving them in technology adoption ensures that their voices are heard and experiences are considered.

Students are empowered to take an active role in their education, and a dedication to ongoing improvement is shown by working together to co-create and test new technologies. Building a culture of innovation and resilience involves highlighting that testing new technologies is a team effort and that making mistakes is a normal part of learning.

Moreover, involving students in the testing process contributes to enhancing future learning experiences for future groups, while helping students practice digital literacy. This approach enriches student learning and positions the teacher as a forward-thinking educator willing to explore new avenues.