Ludmila Smirnova, professor of Education, discussed how to improve teaching by using technology on Monday, October 19. 
“Power Up Learning and Pedagogy with Technology,” part of the college’s Investigating Research on Campus (iROC) series, took place virtually. Like all iROC presentations, it was free and open to the public. Check out upcoming iROC talks and register to attend at www.msmc.edu/iROC
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators were forced to host classes online. However, noted Smirnova, “this may be the opportunity we have been waiting for to power up learning and pedagogy.”
When arriving in the U.S. from Russia in 2000, Smirnova had little experience with digital technology. But it caught her interest and she began reading up on the subject and testing tech tools actively in her classes. In time, Smirnova became an expert on Web 2.0 technology.
The dedicated educator began creating massive online courses on Moodle and other digital technologies, and these courses were taught to audiences of thousands, representing educators from every corner of the world.
Key to Smirnova’s success was a strong background in, and commitment to, constructivist, student-centered, inquiry-based, and collaborative pedagogy. She realized that while digital technology is good for replicating face-to-face lectures, it is “outstanding for creating alternative forms of teaching” that are beginning to find a place in American education, thanks to needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This current widespread move to online education thus represents an important chance” to implement innovative technology in American classrooms, Smirnova explained. “It is not just the power of technology that deserves recognition, but the potential that technology brings to power up pedagogy and learning.”
The goal of the college’s iROC is to provide a forum for Mount faculty, staff, and students to showcase their research endeavors with the college and local communities. Presentations include research proposals, initial data collection, and completed research projects.
Mount Saint Mary College is ranked a Top-Tier University by U.S. News & World Report, and offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for careers in healthcare, business, education, social services, communications, media, and the liberal arts.