Apple Executive Talks Learning, Teaching & Technology in the Classroom

Jon Landis, U.S. development executive for Apple Inc., spoke about mobility in teaching and learning Feb. 1 as a part of the University of Cincinnati Canopy Speaker Series. His talk focused primarily on viewing technology in the classroom not only as an asset but as a necessity.

Landis started his talk with a story about the advances in healthcare. When Landis was a child he had a back injury, treatment included surgery resulting in a two inch scar as well as two weeks of rehabilitation. Later, the same injury for a family member still required surgery, with a one and a half inch scar and no physical therapy. Even years later, another friend had the same injury. This resulted in an outpatient surgery with barely any scar and zero physical therapy. Landis illustrated that technology in the classroom should be used in the same way; constant improvements should be embraced to better the learning and teaching experience.  

During his talk, Landis acknowledged that sometimes, technology can feel like a threat to instructors. He argued however, that it is not instructors’ jobs to deliver content using technology anymore, but rather to contextualize that content with the aid of various tech tools. 

Landis recognized the potential for distraction that accompanies device usage in the classroom. Landis offered that while it was the responsibility of the students to monitor their own technology usage, as it can be too difficult for instructors to police their students.

On the other side, however, Landis said that it was the responsibility of faculty members to use the tools that are available, current, that students are used to. Technology can be an “efficiency engine” as Landis coined; tools that make our lives inifinitely more efficient. Instructors can limit the potential for distraction with the usage of these devices by integrating the technology into their courses. If the technology use is both engaging and integral to participation in the course, students are more likely to use technology for its intended purpose, Landis explained.

Join us for our next Canopy Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 28 where representatives from Lynda.com will discuss course material integration and lifelong learning.

About Jon Landis

Jon Landis is the U.S. development executive with Apple Inc. He is a former professor in the College of Education from Millersville University where he was the graduate coordinator of the Leadership Program and the Coordinator of the CyberSafe Institute.  Jon holds his Ph.D. in sociology, a masters degree in education leadership, and a B.S. in chemistry.  He has served as a chemistry instructor, principal, curriculum director, and IT director. Dr. Landis speaks internationally on the opportunities associated with mobile technology in education.