Teaching with technology can deepen student learning by supporting instructional objectives. However, it can be challenging to select the “best” tech tools while not losing sight of your goals for student learning. Once identified, integrating those tools can itself be a challenge albeit an eye-opening experience.
The CTL is here to help you (novice, expert and everyone in between) find creative and constructive ways to integrate technology into your class. If you are looking to flip your class, make use of Canvas or simply want to experiment with some new instructional technologies, we can help.
To arrange an appointment or consultation, please fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/uwctl.
What do we mean by “technology”?
The term “technology” refers to advancements in the methods and tools we use to solve problems or achieve a goal. In the classroom, technology can encompass all kinds of tools from low-tech pencil, paper, and chalkboard, to the use of presentation software, or high-tech tablets, online collaboration and conferencing tools, and more.
The newest technologies allow us to try things in physical and virtual classrooms that were not possible before. What you use depends fundamentally on what you are trying to accomplish.
How can technology help you?
- Online collaboration tools, such as those in Google Apps, allows students and instructors to share documents online, edit them in real time and project them on a screen. This gives students a collaborative platform in which to brainstorm ideas and document their work using text and images.
- Presentation software (such as PowerPoint) enable instructors to embed high-resolution photographs, diagrams, videos and sound files to augment text and verbal lecture content.
- Tablets can be linked to computers, projectors and the cloud so that students and instructors can communicate through text, drawings and diagrams.
- Course management toolssuch as Canvas allow instructors to organize all the resources students need for a class (e.g. syllabi, assignments, readings, online quizzes), provide valuable grading tools, and create spaces for discussion, document sharing, and video and audio commentary. All courses are automatically given a Canvas site!
- Clickers and smartphones are a quick and easy way to survey students during class. This is great for instant polling, which can quickly assess students’ understanding and help instructors adjust pace and content.
- Lecture-capture tools, such asPanopto, allow instructors to record lectures directly from their computer, without elaborate or additional classroom equipment. Consider recording your lectures as you give them and then uploading them for students to re-watch. Studies show that posting recorded lectures does notdiminish attendance and students really appreciate the opportunity to review lectures at their own pace.
What are some good examples?
One of the best ways to get ideas and inspiration is learn from others and blogs are a great way to do that. Here are some of our favorites
- UWB Learning Technologies
- Teaching Forum: talking teaching at UWT
- GridKnowledge (blog of UWT’s Assistant Chancellor for Learning Technologies)
- Wired Campus, Chronicle of Higher Education
- Prof Hacker, Chronicle of Higher Education
- Agile Learning (blog of the Director of Vanderbilt’s Center for Teaching)
- Faculty Focus
Where to get support
Center for Teaching and Learning
CTL can help with the pedagogical methods for deploying technologies in your teaching. We offer workshops in partnership with UW-IT, individual consultations, and can prepare a custom workshop for you group or department.
IT Connect Learning Technologies
IT Connect’s Learning Technologiesgroup can help identify and implement various tools that support teaching and learning. They offer numerous workshops to get you up and running, as well as integrated workshops in partnership with the CTL
Classroom Technology & Events (Seattle campus)
Classroom Technology & Events offers comprehensive media support and services to students, faculty and staff. They offer a full range of in-classroom audio and video expertise (including help with classroom computers, equipment rental and repair, technical services and access to an educational media collection).
UW Bothell Learning Technologies
UW Bothell Learning Technologiesprovides support for the integration of technology in teaching and learning. Their website includes how-to guides, instructional resources and a blog. They also offer a Hybrid Course Development Institute for faculty looking to replace some face-to-face instruction with increased online teaching.
UW Tacoma Academic Technologies
UW Tacoma Academic Technologies is a collaboration of faculty, UWT Libraries, Information Technology and the UWT Teaching and Learning Center. They sponsor events and workshops, and offer one-on-one consultations. Among their offerings is the Technology Fellows Initiative in Innovative Course Redesign
External links and additional resources
Online publications, virtual communities and more blogs
- Campus Technology.
- EDUCAUSE is an online research community
- EdTech: Focus on Higher Education.
- eLearn Magazine
- Learning through Digital Media
- HASTAC: Humanities, Arts, Science and Technology Advanced Collaboratory
Videos
- Clickers in the Classroom and other short educational videos from the University of Colorado
- Creating a PDF with video: “One easy way to make readings come alive for your students.”
Resources from other teaching and learning centers
- Technology, Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Texas, Austin
- Technology in the Classroom, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan
- Educational Technologies, Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, University of British Columbia
GET INSPIRED
Read about what others at UW are doing to engage their students using Technology in this Provost Paper: Putting Learning First: How Students Learn and How Technology Can Help (April 2013)
