Combining Technology with Instructional Strategies (CEd0525 – Wk 1)

Principles of Teaching and Learning
The article concerning learning and teaching principles is a great review and combination of key concepts in education. I don’t think that the information is new or revolutionary to an educator however, the simplicity of it’s presentation and guideline format make it an excellent review of very important ideas. I also liked that the principles were gathered in one place and included brief explanations with the references listed. This format triggered a few “aha” moments as I thought about this past year of teaching in my classroom. Some of the moments were successes and others were reminders of things I may have forgotten to address at one time or another. Finally, this article and the introductory quote by Simon reflects the need for teachers and all involved in education to remember that the role of the educator is shifting from deliverer of knowledge to the facilitator in the classroom. This change represents a difficult shift in the paradigm for many educators.

A Meta Analysis of the Effectiveness of Teaching and Learning With Technology on Student Outcomes
The meta-analysis article again didn’t necessarily shake any foundations for me – one would expect that delivery of content and mastery of skills would be enhanced with the application of appropriate technology. It did however point out that the studies referenced lack many pieces of information that would lead to a better ability to determine what technology increases the effectiveness. Additionally the researchers were disappointed that much of the technology used in the studies was over 10 years old. In an age where we are advancing exponentially, one can only assume at this point that the effect of technology is also increasing. Although there are many limitations in the meta-analysis, it provides for 2 major elements. The first is that it now can serve as a baseline for future research studies in the use of technology and the second is that the authors gave many guidelines as to how to set up and conduct research projects (i.e. the kinds of information to consider and record) so that they may provide excellent points of reference for a future meta-analysis.