Learning Technologies

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Who am I?

Master's
Project

Why build a technology learning community for educators?
Educators need practical solutions for integrating educational research in learning and instruction into their classroom technology practice. My purpose is to create an online community of shared knowledge and tools for classroom instruction with technology.

Why is technology in the classroom a good thing?
Technology provides an excellent platform for implementing research backed instructional strategies, especially in terms of:

Engagement: Using technology allows students to collaborate on creating useful projects that have meaning outside the classroom. (Kearsley, G, Shneiderman, B)

Motivation: Using technology allows students to "translate the curriculum in terms that students find relevant and interesting." (Boekaerts, M, p12)

Strategizing: Using technology allows students to explore complex problems and develop authentic solutions from real world sources. (Bransford & CTGV) (Lave)

Synthesis: Using technology allows students to apply core curriculum skills to standards based collaborative projects that support competency in higher order skills. (Spiro, et al) (Gardner)

And I would posit that comprehensive learning activities afforded by technology tap into a shared youth culture that enhances student mastery by virtue of technology's inherent appeal to their world perspective. The socio-cultural context in which students perceive technology tools can encourage and validate the learning experience. (Peal, D., & Wilson, B)

And perhaps most importantly, classroom learning with technology creates opportunities for students without home access to participate in and transform not only the learning activity itself, but also their social knowledge and external behavior, as well as that of their peers. (Kaptelinin, V. Nardi, B.)

It is this potential to provide all students with equal opportunity to participate in and transform learning that I most value about classroom technology. However, to release this potential educators need practical guidance. It is my hope that by creating a learning community of shared ideas, resources, and examples for the classroom educator, the potential will be fulfilled.

Judy Eichstaedt

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