Using Technology to Support Learning
Readings & Websites

• Change: Learning in Cyberspace. 2006. ( Vol.38, No.5). Heldref Publication, Washing, DC.
  • With three major articles The Promise of Open Educational Resources, New Learning Environments for the 21st. Century :Exploring the Edge and Education, Information Technologies, and the Augmentation of Human Intellect, the issue provides you with a conceptual and practical basis of future applications of technology to teaching and learning in higher education. In addition, the article by Robert O’Neil on the questions raised by the Ward Churchill case regarding, process, tenure and the rights of individual faculty and of the institution should be read by every administrator and faculty member.
• Conrad, Rita-Marie and J. Ann Donaldon. 2004. Engaging the Online Learner: Activities and Resources for Creative Instruction. San Francisco. Jossey-Bass [144 pp.]
  • A solid introduction to the effective use of active learning in a distance education setting.  Addresses such issues as assessment, teaching partnerships and team building.
• DeBlois, Peter (2005). "Leadership in Instructional Technology and Design", EDUCAUSE Quarterly (Vol. 29 #4), Denver.
  • This interview with leaders in both technology and instructional design focuses on roles, the competencies that are required and the relationship between both positions. Also discussed are institutional change, working with the faculty, assessment and leadership.
• EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI).
  • The institute is a community of higher education institutions and organizations committed to advancing learning through innovation in technology. While membership is not open to individuals this site provides direct links to a wide range of valuable resources grouped under three major topic areas: 1.Learners, 2.Learning Principles and Practices, and 3.Learning Technologies. Certainly worth a look.
• Field Guide to Academic Leadership 2002 (Robert M. Diamond, Editor.) Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
  • The following chapters in the Field Guide are brief, to the point, and directly related to the content focus of this section:
    • Chapter 11. Technology in the Learning Process by Wallace Hannun. Explains why technology options should be explored and includes a review of the various approaches. Provides a rational for their use and an excellent set of guidelines that build on the principles for good practice in undergraduate instruction developed by Chickering and Gamson. Includes an excellent list of questions that you should ask before any decision to chose a technology option is made.
    • Chapter 20. Dealing with Technology: Administrative Issues by Steven W. Gilbert and Stephen C. Ehrmann. If you are being asked to make an important budgetary and academic decision about technology (and you will be) this is a great place to start. After discussing myths and misperceptions about technology, the authors describe the real obstacles that must be overcome if technology is going to be applied effectively and appropriately. Benefits and strategies are discussed in some detail with the focus on practical administrative issues and the development of a campus-wide policy that makes sense for your institution.
• Innovate
  • Innovate is an open access, bimonthly, peer-reviewed online periodical focusing on the creative use of information technology (IT) designed to improve educational procedures in the academic, commercial, and governmental settings.  As an added feature each article is provided with an interactive "webcast" which allows you to connect with the author and other readers to discuss the topic.  A "read-related" feature also connects you directlyto articles on similar topics published previously in Innovate and in Technology Source. (http://innovateonline.info)
• Makl, Peggy L. Assessment for Learning. 2004. Sterling, VA: Slylus Publishing [256].
  • Sets the assessment of learning within the context of both the level of a program, department, division or school within an institution and the level of the institution based on its mission, educational philosophy and educational objectives. Defines assessment as the ability to determine the match between what we expect of out students and their actual performance. Provides case studies, resources, and exercises. Published in association with AAHE.
• Schuh, John H., M. Lee Upcraft, and Associates. 2001. Assessment Practice in Student Affairs: An Applications Manual. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass:[544 pp].
  • An overview of the assessment process with detailed discussions on methodologies, approaches, and issues. A basic reference for leaders in student affairs.
• TLT Group
  • An extremely active listers addressing the use of technology in higher education and all related issues.  Provides an opportunity to be as actively involved as you wish.  Originally established under grants to the American Association of Higher Education.  The place to start is http://www.tltgroup.org.
• Tomorrow's Professor
  • Published 100 times a year this newsletter, which is free to subscribers, highlights a single publication in each issue. Each issue, approximately four to six pages, may include an entire essay but more often is all or part of a carefully selected chapter of a recent publication, an article in a newsletter or a research report. It is an excellent way for you to get a sense of the focus and writing style of books before purchasing. Below are specific issues that address the focus of this resource section. They may be retrieved by number thru the following link (http://ctl.stanford.edu/Tomprof/postings.html). Issues are posted two weeks after publication. On this site you can also find a complete list of all past publications in the series.
    • #791: Teaching Naked: Why Removing Technology From The Classroom Will Improve Student Learning. Jose’ Bowen
    • #788: The Brave New World of Classroom Technology: Kendall Madden
    • #781: Questioning the Best Learning Technology: Jack Meacham
    • #757: Calling All Students…Come In Students. Michael L. Rogers and David A, Starrett
    • #727: Enhancing Learning with Laptops in the Classroom. Barbara E. Weaver and Linda B. Nelson
    • #680: TECHPED: Don’t Be Left in the E-dust. Michael Rodgers and David Starett
    • #673: Digital Libraries: How do You get Students to Use Them? Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
    • #657: Student Services for Distance Education Students. Karin I. Rhoda
    • #624: Libraries Designed for Learning. Scott Bennett