The Age of Technology and Learning
"Education is different these days". This is something we are hearing more and more. It would seem that everything is "different theses days". Computers, tablets, laptops, smartphones and the list goes on. We don't need to ask questions because we have Google. But do we really learn through these devices or merely store information that we may one day apply?
I must admit, that for the last five years as an instructor, I have resisted and embraced technology. The fact is that I teach a hands on physically connected subject and do not see how it can be learned without ever having felt it. Yet, at the same time, there are reams and reams of theory that are acquired by reading and memorization in context. This being said, our connection to technology allows us to now place some of that knowledge at our fingertips rather than safely tucked away in our brains. This does not mean that we do not need to take in the information and process it in the context of our learning, but that we can delegate a certain amount of our learning to methods outside the classroom.
Our current youth is tuned into the flow of information and knowledge in the internet stream, and even my mother has a touch screen laptop, which means that.....
multi-generations are now conversant with technology as a form of learning. So, I admit that it is now possible to teach some of what I know over long distances and have it applied contextually to the hands on learning in person.
Windsong College of Healing Arts is now offering a full Combined Distance Diploma. This will allow students to study the theory by distance over a period of 9 or 14 months and then apply that theory in onsite classes specifically targeting hands on practical skills and practitioner training. Technology is "becoming my friend" as my daughter likes to put it and I am going to learn to let go of the preconceived notions that I had previously held in favour of integrating the present and the past.
Once the theory has been studied, students may register for the 3 and a half month Onsite Practical portion of the program. This has many benefits, as it means less time out of their lives for retraining. Being able to learn and continue with work or other commitments at the same time and having relevant theoretical knowledge prior to working hands on. The best thing of all is a reduction in the cost of education due to the reallocation of resources. Check out our Schedule and tuition for the 2015 year and if it works for you... we'll see you in a "hangout" in 2015.
In Light
