At an increasing rate, however, new software is emerging which allows students to take part in more engaging and effective learning that is computer mediated. Our estimate is that over the next five or six years, the use of such software will become commonplace, truly transforming the way learning takes place in most settings - traditional classrooms on campus and virtual courses online. Despite all the evidence to this effect, a recent study shows that we remain heavily engaged in lecturing. Technology has the capacity to help accomplish in a straightforward, manageable way those modes of teaching that have been recognized as far more effective than the standard classroom mode. Without the aid of technology, they are seen as too difficult and too time consuming for the teacher and for those being taught.
New software allows the student hands on experience.
For example, speech pathology students can now manipulate a virtual skull to see how the jaws and tongue move in response to certain muscles. Challenge students with interesting and realistic problems that provide a connection between learning and real life. At the University of Melbourne, the Political Science department has created a computer-based simulation that provides students an opportunity to face realistic international problems. Given the choice of either completing exercises with the computer simulation or a major paper, most students choose the simulation even though it involves considerably more work. A large majority of the students report that the simulation helps them understand various aspects of the course.