How Can Instructional Technology Improve Teaching and Learning? (Taken from http://www.cstudies.ub.ca/facdev/services/newsletter/96/howcanIT.html) Think about what constitutes effective teaching. Now read the list below about how technology can help to improve teaching and learning. •active not passive •a shift towards problem-based learning, resource-based learning, collaborative learning, and/or student-centered learning •use of the "best tools" to teach specific items •easy access to the "best resources" from anywhere in the world •increased interaction amongst students •promotion of teachers as facilitators •a combination of teaching and learning styles •a chance for students to learn in the ways they learn best •promotion of life-long learning •opportunity to re-visit your course materials, both in terms of content and style of presentation •flexible delivery and access •a move towards critical, reflective learning by students •instant feedback on assignments •ongoing discussion amongst students and teachers about the things that help students learn and how teachers and courses can improve •material for one course can be imported easily in another course and can be updated each year •increased opportunity for input by shy or quiet students •emphasis on the tools for learning •opportunity for wide distribution of courses •learning is fun

Questions to Ask When Planning a Project Using Technology (Dias, 1999, 12-13) 1. Relative Advantage Is the innovation better than what it replaces? What risk is involved? Is it worth the change? 2. Observability Are the results of the innovation visible to others? Can they see how it works and observe the consequences? 3. Compatibility How consistent is the innovation with the values, past experiences, and needs of the potential adopters? 4. Complexity Is the innovation easy to understand, use, and maintain? Can it be explained to others? 5. Trialability Can the innovation be tried out on a limited basis? If we don't like it can we ditch it and try something else? Are you using technology just for the sake of using it or does it enhance student learning?

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E-Mail	Created April 15, 2002 Last Updated April 26, 2002	District Homepage
	© Luann Andresen 2002 -K-12 Technology Coordinator Manning Community School
landresen@manning.k12.ia.us	Manning, Iowa	Home