The Modern Criminal Justice Classroom: How Does Technology Affect Professor Instructional Delivery and Engagement with Students?

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Technology in college classrooms across the United States has grown exponentially in the last decade. Additionally, ways of instructional delivery have also changed, for example with electronic discussion boards and online class availability. Recent studies have found that over 70% of college students own a smart phone, more than 80% own a computer or laptop, and at least 20-30% own a tablet device (Fottrell, 2013; Hanley, 2013). The diverse needs of the Criminal Justice student population have made it imperative that instructors meet the demands for more technology (e.g. electronic submission, classroom lecture PowerPoint posting) and more online class offerings – but at what cost to the student? A short survey was given 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). The results are discussed, limitations addressed, and suggestions for future research offered.

Authors

• Megan Stewart, Georgia Gwinnett College

• Wayne Gillespie, Georgia Gwinnett College