One of the fundamental changes influencing the emergence of technology ecosystems has been the transition from ICT being used to access information to it being used for interaction. Discourse and interaction are fundamental components of learning environments, as well. When investigating the different venues in the classroom that are available for communication, and thus that Read More
Between 2009 and 2011, I led technology institutes at several schools. During these week-long sessions held in the summer, I worked with teachers to develop technology skills. In most cases, these were taught from the perspective of “a new starting line” as the teachers had become complacent with technology and several new tools (hardware, software, Read More
This article appeared in the Journal of the New England League of Middle Schools in 2006. As that is no longer available, I am making it available here. Ackerman, G. (2006). Technology for Turning Points. Journal of the New England League of Middle Schools, 18(1), 22-6. Introduction Middle school practice is guided by Turning Points 2000 Read More
Between 2008 and 2011, I wrote several brief reviews of books which appeared on the Education Review web site. Since then, the editors ceased publication of that type of review and removed the previously published brief reviews from the site. I am making the original drafts of my reviews available here. Brief Review of Arthur, B. Read More
Between 2008 and 2011, I wrote several brief reviews of books which appeared on the Education Review web site. Since then, the editors ceased publication of that type of review and removed the previously published brief reviews from the site. I am making the original drafts of my reviews available here. Rosen, Larry. (2010). Rewired: Understanding the Read More
Between 2008 and 2011, I wrote several brief reviews of books which appeared on the Education Review web site. Since then, the editors ceased publication of that type of review and removed the previously published brief reviews from the site. I am making the original drafts of my reviews available here. Ito, M. (2009). Hanging Out, Messing Around, Read More
69: IT Goes Mainstream: Generational Shift in Technology Use Digital technology dominates human communication in those areas where it is accessible… certainly in the West where smart phones and access to the cellular networks can be obtained for fees that can be managed on modest salaries, much of our economic, political, and cultural interaction is Read More
I was amazed recently to hear teachers talking about “the need for good technology training” in their school. That is not the amazing part; what amazed me was when I asked, “what do you mean?” The response was, “you know using Google to find stuff for a good slide show.” The conversation made me think Read More
64: Situational Awareness in Instructional Design As we think about the work of creating appropriate, proper, and reasonable educational technology, our decisions and actions are often biased by the perspective of our position. Educators are biased towards ease of use and effectiveness for teaching; technologists are biased towards reliable, robust, and secure computer systems. School Read More
Appropriate Proper Reasonable To avoid wasting instructional time preparing to use technology that may or may not be functioning, teachers are likely to avoid those devices that are malfunctioning (or even rumored to be malfunctioning) until they are assured they have been repaired. When a help ticket has been fixed, the technician closes it, then Read More