PREPARING TO TEACH

"  The content and desired learning outcomes of the course should drive the use of learning technologies -- not vice versa.  Learning technologies are important tools for enabling deeper learning for the 'Net Generation' especially.  "

Topic 5:  Learning technologies & tools:  why, when & how to use them  

Questions to consider:

- What are the pluses and minuses of technology in and out of the classroom?
- Is the use of technology now a necessity to connect with the "Net Generation?"
- What are the advantages and caveats associated with electronic learning platforms
           (aka course management systems, like D2L, Blackboard, etc.)

  HOMEWORK & READING PREPARATION:

(In class Feb 16th be prepared to discuss the readings

• In Tools for Teaching, read chapters 11, 20, 33, and 45 - 51

• Browse the OIA > Resources webpage to see the many resources available of support:
  http://oia.arizona.edu/content/resources

• Familiarize yourself with the suite of available D2L tools by visiting: http://help.d2l.arizona.edu/instructors/home
  and come to class with some ideas on which tools (if any) you think would be useful to use in the context of the class or learning module you are working on.

• If you have an interest in distance courses, attend OIA's workshop on:
  Designing a Distance Course – Using the Online Instructional Resource Center
  Feb 10  (noon -1:30 pm)  (we'll also be discussing distance learning n class on Feb 23rd.)

• As a follow up to the grading and assessment discussion in class, Robin has set up a Discussion Forum in D2L -- so you are invited to continue the discussion online! 

FURTHER EXPLORATION & READING:

Death to the Digital Dropbox: Rethinking Student Privacy and Public Performance (from Educause Quarterly 2009

          Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds (refreshingly new perspectives on presentations)
      http://www.presentationzen.com/

Did you thinkyou knew all the gadgets and technology formats out there?  Check out Educause's:
 "7 Thing You Should Know About . . " series, including many on learning technologies: http://www.educause.edu/ELI7Things