Abstract
This chapter examines the every-changing opportunities teachers have to incorporate innovative learning approaches with technology. Technology is revolutionizing instructional delivery all along the educational continuum, pre-K through life-long learning. Students are technology savvy from their experiences with cell phones, video games, DVD players, MP3 music devices, and computers with constant Internet connectivity. Solution partners, distance education delivery, new and innovative equipment for e-learning, wireless connectivity, innovative information storage, technology-driven classroom interaction, specialized software tools, and websites for enhancing education have enabled teachers to expand their repertoire to provide more hands-on activities actively engaging students in the learning process. Continuing educational technology issues and concerns indicate that in spite of controversy and differing opinions, the technology revolution in classrooms will continue unabated.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Wireless Connectivity: Computer access anywhere at anytime
Blogging and RSS: Online personal journals delivered in Web-feed formations specified in XML and used for Web syndication.
Software Virtualization: Process runs software applications previously dependent upon a specific hardware platform on network-connected devices that do not support the native operating system.
Distance Education: Development and delivery of course content online through a course management system.
Non-Restrictive Technology: Reboot-to-restore concept allows students to customize desktops, delete or create shortcuts
Information Storage Devices: Flash, pen, thumb, or key drives to transport and retrieve stored information at any computer at any time.
Podcasting: An amalgam of the word broadcasting and iPod® where content is delivered in using a variety of digital audio formats and play on almost any MP3 player, portable digital audio device, or any brand of desktop computer or laptop.
Vodcasting (vlogging): Delivers content in video format instead of audio played on a laptop.
Equipment Diffusion: Extent of the spread of equipment per number of students