Educational Technology

This section is here to help you understand some of the ways technology can be used to take your courses into the 21st Century, whether you teach face-to-face or through blended learning delivery formats.

Currently there are many forms of educational technology that you can implement into your classroom. Whether your students are adult students, or traditional college level learners, the use of technology can be used for multiple reasons. Using technology engages and motivates learners, provides a source of information, allows learners to collaborate and share knowledge, and is an excellent form of communication. Technology also addresses the variety of learning styles in your classroom.
A Student Centered Approach
What are you looking to do?

Below you will find some common educational technologies. This information will help you identify whether or not that specific tool is appropriate for your course and learners. Also, for new 'techies,' we have provided links for tutorials and suggestions on how to use the educational technology. PSU also has an account for lynda.com which contains tutorials on these Web 2.0 technologies listed below, in addition to several others.
Defining Web 2.0 Technologies

• Penn State's Learning Design Community Hub has provided a list of common Web 2.0 terms and a brief description of each (Blogs, Flickr, iTunesU, etc.). You can access the information by visiting http://ets.tlt.psu.edu/learningdesign/web20glossary.
• AppUseful - Web 2.0 Applications

What is a Blog?
"A blog is a simple to use tool that empowers you to publish online quickly and easily. Simply stated, it is a website that you can easily update and contribute to from anywhere you have an Internet connection. A blog is a place for personal reflection, a place to take notes, share pictures, publish your movies, and anything else that you can dream. It belongs to you and you have the power to make it whatever you choose."
Resource: Blogs at Penn State

• Blogs at Penn State
• Blogger Essential Training - Lynda.com: Movie based workshop for those new to blogging
• Blogs in Plain English - Common Craft
• Blogs (2009 ITL Virtual Conference)

What is a Wiki?
"A wiki is a tool which allows a group of users to edit a set of Web documents from a browser without needing to use a separate HTML editor.
Many people use wikis as a home page editor, but others use it to build jointly created documents. In many respects, a wiki is similar to a content management system like Plone or Drupal."
Resource: Penn State Learning Design Community Hub

• Penn State Learning Design Community Hub
• Penn State Wiki Spaces
• Wetpaint Wiki
• PB Works
• Wikispaces
• Wikis in Plain English - Common Craft
• Wikis (2009 ITL Virtual Conference)

What is a Podcast?
"Podcasts are simply audio and video content that you can subscribe to. Subscribing ensures you are notified when new content is available. Podcasts are easy to create and are an effective means of distributing rich educational materials.
Podcasts are an effective educational tool for two reasons. First, people learn better when they experience information with multiple senses. Supplementing text with audio and video will help your audience remember your message.
Second, platforms like Penn State on iTunes U and Blogs at Penn State make it very easy for people to find and access this rich educational content. Removing obstacles allows students to get to the information they need quickly."
Resource: Podcasting at Penn State

• Podcasting at Penn State
• Podcasting Resources - Digital Commons at Penn State
• iTunesU@PSU
• Tutorial: Creating a Podcast with GarageBand on a Mac Computer
• Podcasting in Plain English - Common Craft
• Podcast + Videocast Essential Training - Lynda.com: You want to create a podcast but not sure where to turn?
• Podcasts (2009 ITL Virtual Conference)

What else can Google do for me
Did you know that Google is more than a search engine? Google provides you with the capability to create an online document that allows several authors, create websites, wikis, and search for images. Below are links to the resources and suggestions on how to implement Google's tools into your classroom.

• Google Tools and Potential Applications for Education
• Everything Google: Review of Google Tools and Applications for Teaching & Learning
• Google for Educators
• GoogleDocs@psu.edu
• More Google Products

What is an e-Portfolio?
"In its simplest terms an e-portfolio is a collection of evidence. Students use their personal Web space account to plan, reflect upon, and then publish evidence of what they've learned at Penn State. Students use either the Penn State Blog or common web publishing tools to share important aspects of their collegiate experience!"
Resource: e-Portfolio at Penn State

• e-Portfolios at Penn State

To check copyright and the originality of papers, PSU students and faculty can use TurnItIn. It is a tool that can be used to prevent plagiarism by returning an originality report. For instructors to register for an account, you may e-mail turnitin@psu.edu. For additional information on TurnItIn, visit http://tlt.its.psu.edu/turnitin/Faculty.html.
Recommendations for Effectively Incorporating Web 2.0 into Teaching and Learning

• Keep your instructional objectives in mind
• Know your audience and your students
• Even if the tool is easy to use and implemented in your learning management system, how will you assess use of Web 2.0
• Provide Web 2.0 as an option for student presentations, assignments, etc.
• Use the best tool for your learning objectives
• Resource: 2009 ITL Virtual Conference

• free-applications-v-5.pdf
• Resource: Larry Edelman

If you are interested in learning more about Web 2.0 technologies and how to implement them into your courses, you may be interested in Just2It! This professional development opportunity is designed to provide faculty with a safe environment to explore and evaluate a range of technologies that include Blogs, Google, Twitter, and Facebook.