Accelerating the Paradigm Shift from Lecture-Centered to Technology-Enabled Active Learning Instructional Methods

Employers around the world are expressing increasing dissatisfaction with the degree to which college graduates can access, evaluate, and communicate information; can use information technology (IT) tools effectively; can think critically; can solve problems; and can work well in teams and with people from different cultural backgrounds. A change of instructional paradigms — from passive to active (authentic) learning strategies, such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, or inquiry-based learning — is clearly needed. However, changing instructional paradigms is difficult. Faculty members are busy, many are not comfortable with using information technology (IT) tools, and most cling to the traditional lecture-based instructional paradigm. This interactive session focuses on approaches to accelerating a paradigm shift. The session rationale and readings are available at http://horizon.unc.edu/projects/seminars/wfs.html, along with a mailing list that attendees can use to discuss the topic prior to and after the session.