Using Technology in Teaching

Down-to-earth advice for busy teachers on using technology to save time and improve instruction. Computers can help teachers accomplish many of their tasks more efficiently and effectively, but how can a time-strapped teacher determine which pieces of technology are likely to be most helpful? This easy-to-read book offers useful guidance for real-world situations. Organized around specific instructional goals (improving student writing, promoting collaborative learning) and commonly encountered tasks (communicating with students between class, distributing course materials), the book shows teachers at all instructional levels when and how technology can help them meet everyday challenges. Written in an anecdotal, non-technical style, the book and its accompanying CD-ROM cover how to use technology to: communicate with students distribute course materials promote collaborative learning learn through experience clarify course objectives improve student writing develop student research skills use assessment and feedback collect course materials identify plagiarism and more Teachers looking for tools to help them work better and more quickly will welcome this invaluable guide to the technology that will expedite their search. Contents 7 Acknowledgments 9 Introduction 11 Chapter 1. Communicating with Students 21 Chapter 2. Distributing Course Materials to Students 45 Chapter 3. Promoting Collaborative Learning 74 Chapter 4. Helping Students Learn Through Experience 97 Chapter 5. Clarifying Linkages Within Your Course 122 Chapter 6. Improving Student Writing 149 Chapter 7. Developing Student Research Skills 175 Chapter 8. Using Assessment and Feedback to Improve Learning 196 Chapter 9. Gathering Course Learning Materials 213 Appendix 233 Glossary 237 Notes 245 Index 247