[NIFL-4EFF:1858] Re: What does a transparent approach mean?

From: Bonnie Fortini (bfortini@acad.umm.maine.edu)
Date: Mon Oct 22 2001 - 17:19:14 EDT


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From: Bonnie Fortini <bfortini@acad.umm.maine.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:1858] Re: What does a transparent approach mean?
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I've encountered the word "transparent" before, back in the days when
computers were becoming more available and were impacting the educational
system.  At that time computers and computer technology were predicted to
become transparent technology which meant that rather than "clear" or
"lacking substance" the technology would be second nature to and for the
learner.  It would be a tool to be used to access or manipulate course
content.  It would not exist in and of itself.  In effect, the computers
we use would "disappear" by not being a barrier or something the students
have to conquer to get to the learning.  I'd like to think that that is
what "transparent" will mean with EFF.  Not insubstantial, and not
immediately and completely understood by all, but a useful, approachable
tool to use in a myriad of settings (curriculum development, goal setting,
instructional methodology, program/personnel review, accountability,
evaluation...).  As with computers it will take different people different
ways and amounts of time to reach the point where they can use EFF
"transparently" and effectively.  But, unlike computers, EFF can work on
all platforms (roles, agencies, etc.) and won't require expensive
upgrades!  That's not to say there are no bugs in EFF, it is and will
continue to be a work in progress which means we can work out the bugs as
we go.  What is exciting about EFF is that we can use EFF to work out
those bugs which only makes for greater effectiveness and validity, at
least from this practitioner's standpoint.

Bonnie Fortini
Machias Adult & Community Education

 



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