Abstract
College faculty can minimize valuable time and resources invested in inappropriate technologies by staying in step with technological progress. A "future proof" approach to technology recognizes and welcomes small failures, considering them part of the ongoing process of absorbing technology into the learning process. "Future proofing" attempts to understand the factors that influence and impact technology upon learners. The factors that comprise the concept of "future proofing" include:
- market dominance solutions: based on a strong market presence this often proves to be the single greatest factor in decision making;
- ease of use: users of technology prefer simplicity over functionality;
- the best-practice approach: since technology is a delivery medium, proven successful teaching and learning practices are likely to work when technology is added;
- technology non-reliance: users should avoid relying too heavily on the expertise of technical gurus;
- least cost: free software should be rigorously reviewed and users should plan on receiving limited or no technical support, since software freely available may disappear or fall victim to programmer neglect; and
- best guess-roulette: creative and effective solutions evolve from combinations of technology only possible from experimentation.
Recommended Citation
Nay, Fred W.; Malm, Loren D.; Malone, Bobby G.; Oliver, Brad E.; Saunders, Nancy G.; and Thompson, Jay C. Jr.
(1998)
""Future Proofing" Faculty: The Struggle to Create Technical Lifelong Learners,"
Mid-Western Educational Researcher: Vol. 11:
Iss.
4, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/vol11/iss4/7