How and when should I use technology?

We've all been told instructional technology is a good thing. Considerable resources are poured into "wiring" our classrooms and our courses, but how would using a laptop, PowerPoint, and computer projection be necessarily more effective than an overhead? Or what are the benefits of Blackboard? It is important to consider how new instructional technologies can improve our ability to teach well and significantly improve student learning. These resources will help you upgrade your tech to 2.0.

• Start simply: Effective use of some technology is better than haphazard use of impressive gadgets.  Weigh the pros and cons with the time to be spent integrating technology in the classroom (Such as: Are the returns worth the production time?).

• Be prepared with your technology use. Have a back up plan in place if the technology doesn't work, and don't let the technology planning overshadow the content development.

• Learn something new every year about the intersection of technology and teaching/learning.

• Use  PowerPoint responsibly: Don't read the slides!

• Blackboard: Student and instructor expectations and responsibilities.

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Integrating technology

Vital Considerations
Visit the Technology section of the Teaching Effectiveness Program’s web site to learn more about learning the needs of students and structuring technology into the class, considerations for best practices, and other resources.

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Be prepared

University of Oregon Center for Media and Educational Technologies (CMET): Classroom Equipment Tutorials and Instructions
Find online instructions and text directions for your assigned classrooms.

University of Oregon Center for Media and Educational Technologies (CMET): Classroom Specifications
This page lists all the general use classrooms and the equipment system type, seating styles, pictures of the classrooms, links for text and video instructions, room reservation request forms, and schedules of group equipment tutorials.

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Learn something new

EDUCAUSE:  Transforming Educational through Information Technologies
“EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology.”

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PowerPoint

PowerPoint in the Classroom
The Teaching Effectiveness Program’s web site offers various resources to assist instructors in incorporating PowerPoint presentations in the classroom.  Go beyond presenting simple slides of lecture notes and examine ways in which PowerPoint can integrate images, multimedia clips, and assessment techniques into large and small classes.

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Blackboard

Blackboard Introduction and Tutorials
The Teaching Effectiveness Program’s web site provides resources for faculty Blackboard support. Explore how the Blackboard Learning System provides a teaching and learning environment that allows for content management and sharing, online assessments, student tracking, assignment management, and virtual collaboration.

University Libraries Blackboard Help
The Center for Educational Technologies main Blackboard help pages.