Instructional Technology in the Criminal Justice Classroom

• In Event: Online Teaching

Abstract

Instructional technology is a hallmark of education in the 21st century. Examples of technology in the classroom include online learning management systems, social networking services, canned PowerPoint presentations, plagiarism detection services, blogs, podcasts, and other online, audio, and visual materials. Educators such as Fabianic (2010) have noted that instructional technology is integral to the future of criminal justice education. The purpose of the current study is to assess undergraduate criminal justice students’ use of technology in the classroom and investigate the growing dichotomy between online and traditional, face-to-face instruction. A short survey was administered to students at the first public college opened in the new millennium to test hypotheses related to instructional use of technology, face-to-face instruction, and other aspects of technology (e.g., social networking, cell phone usage, etc.). This college simultaneously endorses what might be considered contradictory pedagogical goals, specifically the innovative use of technology and a level of student engagement that precludes total online delivery of instruction. A secondary purpose of this study was to assess criminal justice students’ satisfaction with this pedagogical model. Results of this study are discussed, limitations addressed, and suggestions for future research offered.

Authors

• Wayne Gillespie, Georgia Gwinnett College

• Megan Stewart, Georgia Gwinnett College