Teaching and Learning in a Knowledge Society
What and How To Teach and Learn
In the Society of the Future
Keynote Remarks by David G. Brown
Professor and Provost Emeritus
Wake Forest University, USA
brown@wfu.edu http://www.wfu.edu/~brown
At the Zayed University’s Opening Convocation
In Abu Dhabi, UAE, August 26, 2006
Student
Teacher
In tomorrow’s world, individuals will eclipse institutions.
The best use of computers is to enhance communication.
Outline of Remarks
1) Share what I’m doing– five specific
techniques
2) Reveal why I’ve chosen these techniques
and speculate about the future of
“teaching and learning”
3) Reflect upon the successes and
opportunities for Zayed University
When (11 years ago) the committee I chaired
decided that Wake Forest University would be the
first major university in the world to provide identical
laptop computers to all students, I had the
opportunity-responsibility to rethink everything
about my own teaching.
Examples from My Teaching
Before, During, & After
The New Teaching Strategies
1. Communication-Interaction
2. Collaboration-Teams
3. Controversy-Debate
4. Customization-Diversity
5. Consultants-Adjuncts
New “Student” Mentality
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Immediacy…Always in Touch
Interactivity
Multi-Tasking…Channel Changing
Visual Learners
Open Information
Shared Authority & Second Opinions
Nintendo Problem Solving
New Faculty Roles
• Less Content Transmission: More Access &
Evaluation Strategy + Applications (Practice)
• Certifying & Sequencing Learning Strategy
• Forming & Monitoring Learning Groups
• Less Control (More Textbook-like Supplements,
Alternate Authorities, Less Standardization,
Competitive Options)
• Open for Inspection
• Continuous Interaction (Never Ending)
• Collaborative Teaching (with content
specialists, designers, students)
By Don Tapsott
Factor
Traditional
Proposed
Educational Outcome
Classsroom
Focal Point
Learning Model
Content
Faculty Role
Faculty Presence
Academic Calendar
Institution
Student Populations
Degree
Physical
Faculty
Presentation
Standardized
Transmit Information
Individual/Autonomous
Fixed
Centralized
On Campus
Competency
Virtual
Students
Discovery
Individualized
Facilitate Learning
Teams
Flexible
Decentralized
Global
Source: Don Tapscott
Thinking Ahead---the future of
teaching and learning
• Personal. Customized. Interactive.
• Student-Centered Curriculum
• Teams of Professionals to Support
Learning
• “Houses” instead of Disciplines
• Hybrid Courses (80-20 and 20-80)
• Loose-leaf Collections of Course
Components, instead of Textbooks
Your Job at Zayed University:
To Prepare students to lead!
(knowledge, tools, self confidence)
According to my studies of American university presidents,
successful leaders---
1. Have a set of principles that inform
their decisions
2. Know the principles
3. Communicate the principles to others
Sources: David G. Brown, Leadership Vitality, ACE, 1979.
David G. Brown, University Presidents As Moral Leaders, ACE, 2006.
The Zayed Strategy
Aspiring to be the Best in the REGION
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High Admission Standards
High Expectations (Rigorous Standards)
Common Intellectual Heritage (COIL)
Bi-Lingual Graduates
Computer Proficient Graduates
Highly Credentialed Faculty
Measurable Outcomes
High Student Aspirations
Students First
Everybody Cares
Zayed’s Comparative Advantage
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Multi-cultural Leadership
Willing to Learn from Others
Global Perspective
Practical, Project Centered Learning
Avoid Pre-Computer Heritages
Adopt Newly Affirmed Learning Strategies
World Eager for Bridges (Arab/Christian,
Inheritance/Entrepreneur, Female/Male)
• Talented Students
If Not At Zayed University, Where In
the Gulf Region Will Society...
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Certify & Label New Talent?
House “out of season” Ideas?
Motivate New Learners?
Evaluate Information?
Archive Ideas?
Nurture Values and Cultural Sensitivities?
Induce Young People To Invest In Themselves?
Protect Maturing Learners & Experimenters?
Form Friendships and Networks?
Build Public Monuments?
Attract Quality Jobs?
Review
• Our job is to nurture leaders, specifically to enable them to
exude PRINCIPLES--Have them, Know them, Communicate them
• Good pedagogy emphasizes high standards,
extensive communication and collaboration.
• The computer is a powerful teaching tool that, when
used properly, can greatly facilitate learning.
• As we move forward into the Knowledge Society
customization will become increasingly important.
• Zayed’s opportunity is IMMENSE!
Congratulations
and
Good Luck