Summary of Nov. 13, 2013 Town Hall Meeting

Nov. 13, 2013: Technology and Learning

The latest Town Hall sessions were held Nov. 13, 2013, with discussion focusing on Technology and Learning.  The noon session nearly filled JRC 101. The evening gathering drew about half that many.

Among the points discussed by President Raynard S. Kington, Interim Dean David Lopatto, staff members, and students, were:

• The College’s Ad Hoc Committee on Technology-Rich Learning is trying to understand technology’s impact on liberal learning, residence life, and a Grinnell degree.
• Additional staff and infrastructure would be needed to support future technology initiatives.
• Many are debating how professors will think creatively about incorporating technology into their courses, while not substituting technology for teaching.
• There is a trend on campus away from lectures in the classroom. Studies in education and learning indicate that an interactive environment in the classroom is far more useful.
• Grinnell uses both open-source and proprietary software.
• There is interest in making sure current technology on campus works before expanding into new areas.

The Ad Hoc Committee wishes to thank the many members of campus who participated in the town halls on technology and learning. The ideas and concerns will be incorporated into committee discussions.