Here are some preliminary questions:
Why use technology?
- employ resources (on the internet and using other tools)
- extend the classroom (create a learning environment outside the classroom)
- serve all learning styles
- meet learning style (and expectations) of "Net Generation" students
- it's there/ everybody else is doing it/ my tenure committee expects it (Are these good reasons???)
Which is the best tool for your class?
- email
- internet
- course web site
- podcasting: audio, video (RSS)
- blogging
- wiki
- student content creation: documents, images, audio, video, presentations, web sites
Is access available to students?
- digital divide
- access at your institution
-
How much time will your material/course work require?
- how much do students have for their education? (consider life demands)
- bear in mind that some students are very quick on computers and others are very slow
- how much of your time will it take: preparation, support, feedback, assessment, etc.
Which activities are best suited to which methods, resources, or tools? What are students expected to learn?
How can you use technology to
enhance student learning? How can it help you create new kinds of learning experiences that will help students get engaged in their learning and
retain what they learn?
How can you foster collaborative learning?
- group work
- pair work
- projects
- peer mentoring
What are the benefits of collaborative and experiential learning?
- authenticity (real world and work place)
- constructivist learning
What are the issues with infusing technology into the curriculum?
- Computer access - some students still don't have computers
- Computer capacity - some students don't have powerful enough computers
- If specialized software is required, will students be able to afford it or install it?
- Who provides technical support for students when specialized software is used?
- Who provides training for students?
- Are tools compatible with students' computing environments (i.e., Apple, PC, etc.)?
Online Resources: