By Matt Kurnick
"Working with students who appreciate what you are doing, working with them as a team, nothing is more satisfying." — Temba C. Bassoppo-Moyo, associate professor, Curriculum and Instruction at llinois State University
(September 25, 2009) A shift in the educational paradigm is beginning to require teachers to ensure that their classrooms are more interactive, requiring less lecturing, less note taking, and more integrated technology.
This is where associate professor of Instructional Technology and Design at Illinois State University, Temba Charles Bassoppo-Moyo's specialty lies.
"There's a shift in the paradigm in terms of educational thrust and strategy in classroom environment," said Bassoppo-Moyo. "The old classroom was unidirectional which meant teachers would stand in front of the class, deliver instructions, and leave. They would generally give written exams and grade the exams manually. There was very little feedback between the instructor and students. What we are saying now is teachers really have to integrate technology in their classroom in various stages. The whole idea is to be responsive to the modern day student who is generally 'wired' to all types of information technologies."
Bassoppo-Moyo teaches several courses at Illinois State that are related to computer-based instruction and have a strong emphasis on implementing technology in a classroom setting. He focuses not only on teaching future educators how to use the technology, but also how to integrate different types of technologies that can be used in classrooms.
In addition to teaching how to use technology in education, Bassoppo-Moyo practices using it. All of his courses are either taught entirely online or are hybrid courses which integrate both an online and face-to-face learning environment.
Teaching entirely online provides some distinct advantages compared to face-to-face (F-2-F) or traditional teaching environments. It also comes with a unique set of challenges.
"The advantage is, of course, for the student. They are able to juggle a lot of converging schedules. They also have the ability to have more control of their schedules and their work," said Bassoppo-Moyo. Where the challenge comes is the students and instructors must be "astute at using the online learning environment to their advantage. The students must gain as much in an online learning environment as they would in a traditional environment."
This challenge comes from as much the perception of online education as it does the reality or the practice. The possibility stands that teaching in an online environment could mean more work for instructors; however, to be successful they need only follow one important rule.
"Any online environment should focus on one very simple, basic tenant. It must be interactive and exhibit the same attributes applied within the classroom environment, if not more," said Bassoppo-Moyo. "The more interactive, the more effective and efficient the online experience will be.
"What happens is a lot of people think if you're teaching a course online, it's really simple. The professor is at home sitting down and having a margarita, enjoying themselves. Quite the contrary, most experienced online instructors will tell you it's hard work which entails more time-on-task."
Bassoppo-Moyo, who taught at the University of Memphis and then Heartland Community College briefly before coming to Illinois State nine years ago, also has a background in broadcast and telecommunications engineering. His technology background has motivated his research focusing on computer based instruction, blue tooth technology use in the instructional environment, distance learning, and other aspects of research in e-learning.
The shift in the educational paradigm has provided a professional home for Bassoppo-Moyo, and his professional home has provided a shift in his everyday work experiences.
"To make a comparison, when I was in business working for a company and I'd go to work Monday morning and start to have anxieties from working with people that weren't very nice. It's good to know now I can get up on a Monday morning and look forward to coming to the office.
"Sometimes I feel like 'is someone really paying me to enjoy myself?' because I enjoy my job. The interaction with students is a very rewarding experience. Working with students who appreciate what you are doing — and working with them as a team — nothing is more satisfying."
The satisfaction is present, even if it is in an online environment.
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