Método socrático

Americ Azevedo's Profile: "Socrates had some very definite ideas about teaching. So does Americ Azevedo. For Azevedo, a Lecturer for IDS 110: Introduction to Computers, technology is key in initiating a Socratic dialogue in his large class of 500.

For those in need of a refresher course, the Socratic method posits the most effective way to learn is through student/teacher conversation. The teacher asks the group questions to facilitate a discussion where students eventually reach consensus to further their inquiry. The logical question: How do you create a Socratic dialogue with 500 students?

In Azevedo's opinion, 'We must discipline all the technologies toward Socratic dialogue using many media and feedback modes.' To that end, the instructor used his experience with other online discussions, including The WELL (Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link) and Golden Gate University's CyberCampus which he co-founded. Formerly Azevedo had used a platform called Web Crossing in his private consulting practice to facilitate group work on projects where the members were based in different cities. His specialty was 'collaborative technologies consulting,' so it was a natural step for him to bring this approach to IDS 110."