Kent State University, Ohio

Kent State University is Ohio's second largest University with a total student body of 38,000. It was first established as a public university 94 years ago.

Part of the history of the University includes a shocking student massacre. On May 4, 1970, protests against the Vietnam War ended in confrontation with the Ohio National Guard, leaving four students dead and nine wounded. A memorial to this incident in the University grounds, encourages all who visit to 'inquire, learn and reflect' on how differences may be resolved peacefully.

My visit to the University allowed me the opportunity to learn about and witness current research into technology in the classroom. Dale Cook, Summit Professor, Founder and Director, Research Centre for Educational Technology, met me and explained the amazing work that the Centre is doing (www.rcet.org). RCET 'explores the uses and influences of technology in education through rich collaborations among researchers and practitioners, to help improve teaching and learning in today's classroom ...'

Live research takes place in an authentic classroom setting which can be viewed, recorded, analysed by researchers through a one-way screen.

Groups of students from K-12, along with their teacher, are brought to the classroom for a 6 week period. The students are provided with state-of-the-art technology in the classroom.

I viewed a Kindergarten class working with their teacher on a unit of weather. They were using microphone, document camera, lap top computers, weather probes, video/still cameras as tools for their learning. It was a fantastic sight to see! These were children who did not have a lot of technological skill at the commencement of their 6 week period.

Two research findings which Dale discussed with me are: the low incidence of behaviour problems in this technolgy rich classroom; the enhancement of skills for students with special needs.

I then spent some time with Albert (Chip) Ingram and Lin Lin, both of whom are Associate Professors, Educational Foundations & Special Services. We had a rich and interesting conversation regarding online and blended learning. They showed me the Distance Learning Centre which is equipped with 'smart classroom' features.

I was then taken to a wonderful Kent restaurant for lunch. Thank you Chip!

Thank you to everyone involved in my visit to Kent State University. Your hospitality and time were greatly appreciated. My words have barely done justice to the learning and experience that I gained from my visit. I am in awe of the level and capacity of research that has been set up.

written by

Sally Delaney on April 30, 2007 from Kent, United States

from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007

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