Technology has become a part of everyday life for most people in some form or fashion, and the education industry is no exception. With the dramatic increase of teaching technologies, it is important to make sure technology isn't being used only for technology's sake. It should be used where it makes sense, where it enhances and adds value to the teaching and learning experience.
Eric Kunnen, Associate Director of eLearning and Emerging Technologies at Grand Valley State University, suggests four tips for the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.
- Provide an environment of engagement for students, whether that environment is the classroom or online.
- Design a course that is user-friendly. It should be easy for students to determine where to start and what will be expected of them throughout the course.
- Include technology planning as part of the course design, not on top of it. Use campus support (instructional designers, librarians, digital media support) to help with the course design and implementation of learning technologies.
- Participate in professional development. There are many opportunities to take advantage of workshops, learning communities, and other campus resources both to learn more about teaching technologies and to contribute experience and ideas for others to learn from.
The most important tip? Get involved! By staying informed of learning technology on campus and collaborating with others, faculty can make the most out of this invaluable resource.
Read more at Great Teaching Means The Same In Moodle As In The Classroom.
man using a tablet
