On July 15 and 16 I presented a workshop at the Kellogg Institute on embeding learning technology within the classroom and campus learning center. Click on this link to connect with a special web page that contains all the handouts, PP slides, and web links to other resources. Most of the technologies shared are those I actually use with my gobal history course at the University of Minnesota. Others are ones that I plan to pilot text over the upcoming years.
One basic principle to remember when contemplating use of a new learning technology is a basic one, why? How will the technology help achieve student outocmes better than what is currently used? How difficult will it be for the instructor and the students to use the technology? Students have told me repeatedly that they like learning technology in the classroom as long as it is meaningful. Never make the assumtion that it is easy for students to use without tutorials and support. It is a learning curve for both the instructor and the students.
I am geeky by nature, but make a point to conduct focus groups with students before I introduce new technologies into the classroom. These focus groups often give me insights into new emerging technologies that they are using that could be adapated for use within the classroom. It has taken me a decade to add the learning technolgoies into my class, generally no more than one new thing during an academi semester. I hope you find one or two ideas to experiment with from all the materials provided through this web site. Best wishes with your work.