Montclair State University - Carnegie Committee

Low Tech Solutions

Let's talk "low tech". Low tech does not necessarily mean a lack of expertise or technological interest. Low tech can mean an appropriately restrained approach to the use of technology. Experienced educators understand that flash and panache are not a substitute for effective pedagogy. Some courses in some disciplines are not appropriate for technologically enhanced interaction. A heavy dose of graphics does not guarantee learning. A simple question and answer power point presentation reinforcing classroom discussion or homework reading while causing students to externalize what they have learned can be worth banks of computers and high resolution flat screens.

Low tech teaching practices are primarily those which augment classical classroom teaching by enhancing learning with minimal technology. As such, they are do not affect the learning style of students and do not modify the process of student learning internally. While high tech solutions cause an change in the internal processes with which students internalize and integrate information, low tech practices are teacher centered. They focus upon aiding students with a variety of learning styles in understanding and integrating new information. Low tech is an amplification of classical teaching.

Low Tech can be projection of a transparency on an overhead projector. It can be a Powerpoint presentation. It can also be plain old vanilla email communication with students. Whatever technology you use, it can enhance or impede learning. How success is determined depends upon your goals as an educator. If one of your goals is to improve student interaction because you have determined, based upon lessons learned from colleagues, research, or experience that students learn more in your discipline with cooperation, you can target cooperation as a goal. With some simple planning and some measurement of results on joint projects, or cooperative communication on email, you can determine your success or failure.