Synopses & Reviews
Too many colleges and universities are focusing their technology resources on the development of distance education programs rather than on the objective of improving teaching and learning.
In Deep Learning for a Digital Age, author Van B. Weigel takes the academy to task for its current short-sighted, uncreative use of technology and offers a very different vision for deepening and enriching learning in traditional college classrooms.
In this breakthrough book, Weigel shows how faculty can help students develop skills in research, problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge management by using web-based collaboration tools. He outlines a blended, "bricks and clicks" approach to learning that emphasizes cognitive apprenticeship and communities of inquiry. Weigel's vision of "depth education" relies strongly on virtual teams and embedded assessment as a means to cultivate connection between students and educators. This innovative approach to teaching and learning emphasizes the use of virtual spaces, which Weigel calls "knowledge rooms," where students can gather to develop research projects; build critical skills and competencies; share, discuss, and debate ideas; express themselves creatively; and assess their learning and performance. Learning gained through such collaborative environments is deep learning, with lasting impact, and stands in sharp contrast to the superficial acquisition of factual knowledge students typically take away from their college coursework.
The author also explores how campuses can create a physical and intellectual infrastructure to support depth education and extend it through creatively designed e-learning programs for constituencies beyond the campus population, including high school students and alumni. By helping students to develop skills in reflection and discernment, investment in deep learning reinforces the core mission of the higher education-that of extending wisdom and understanding.
Review
"A visionary but also pragmatic view of what is possible in facilitating deep learning with today's and tomorrow's digital technologies. Well grounded in the real issues of learning. I highly recommend this intriguing book." — John Seely Brown, former director, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center and coauthor, The Social Life of Information
"Finally we have the book that gets all three parts of the new competitors equation right-the learning part, technology, and the marketplace." —Theodore J. Marchese, managing director, Academic Search Consultation, Service and contributing editor of Change
Review
"...provides an intriguing blend of theory regarding the possible future of education, and practical examples of how technology may bring that future about." (University Business, April 2002)
"this is a very timely book that suggests a new lens for viewing the role of technology in higher education." (Student Affairs On-Line, November 12, 2002)
Synopsis
Deep Learning for a Digital Age outlines a new paradigm for using technology to bring depth and dimensionality to the classroom. In this important book, Van B. Weigel introduces his "depth education" model that blends classroom-based education with e-learning to enrich higher education.
Deep Learning for a Digital Age- Introduces a workgroup approach to the classroom that uses virtual teams to build skills in critical thinking and knowledge management
- Offers a strategic assessment of the opportunities and challenges associated with the broadband virtual classroom
- Outlines the campus infrastructure requirements of depth education
- Describes the educational vistas made possible by e-learning
- Explains how to implement the knowledge room framework of depth education
Synopsis
Explains how to implement the knowledge room framework of depth education
Synopsis
Too many colleges and universities are focusing their technology resources on the development of distance education programs rather than on the objective of improving teaching and learning.
In Deep Learning for a Digital Age, author Van B. Weigel takes the academy to task for its current short-sighted, uncreative use of technology and offers a very different vision for deepening and enriching learning in traditional college classrooms.
In this breakthrough book, Weigel shows how faculty can help students develop skills in research, problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge management by using web-based collaboration tools. He outlines a blended, "bricks and clicks" approach to learning that emphasizes cognitive apprenticeship and communities of inquiry. Weigel's vision of "depth education" relies strongly on virtual teams and embedded assessment as a means to cultivate connection between students and educators. This innovative approach to teaching and learning emphasizes the use of virtual spaces, which Weigel calls "knowledge rooms," where students can gather to develop research projects; build critical skills and competencies; share, discuss, and debate ideas; express themselves creatively; and assess their learning and performance. Learning gained through such collaborative environments is deep learning, with lasting impact, and stands in sharp contrast to the superficial acquisition of factual knowledge students typically take away from their college coursework.
The author also explores how campuses can create a physical and intellectual infrastructure to support depth education and extend it through creatively designed e-learning programs for constituencies beyond the campus population, including high school students and alumni. By helping students to develop skills in reflection and discernment, investment in deep learning reinforces the core mission of the higher education-that of extending wisdom and understanding.
Synopsis
In this timely book, Weigel presents an innovative and effective framework for e-learning in higher education that can be woven into the fabric of classroom-based education to better cultivate connection and collaboration between students and educators. Written for presidents, deans, trustees, faculty, and distance education providers, this book outlines a dynamic new approach to distance learning and shows that the ability to manage knowledge, rather than just accumulate it, should be the chief priority of higher education in a technological world. The author decries the use of distance education to simply expand enrollments and demonstrates how effective education can connect knowledge across fields and age levels rather than segmenting it. He also shows how the rich resources of the Internet can be plumbed creatively to add depth and meaning to the college curriculum and to immerse learners, whether in the classroom or at a distance, in a continuum of knowledge and experience.
About the Author
Van B. Weigel is professor of ethics and economic development at Eastern College in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He is author of a Choice Outstanding Academic Book, A Unified Theory of Global Development and Earth Cancer.
Table of Contents
Tables, Figures, and Exhibits.
Preface.
The Author.
1. Beyond the Virtual Classroom.
2. The Commoditization of Instruction.
3. Transforming the Classroom into Knowledge Rooms.
4. Building an Infrastructure for Depth Education.
5. New Horizons for Higher Education.
Notes.
References.
Index.