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Our approach to the integration of advanced digital technologies and
education begins first with the contexts in which learning technologies are
of use. Often this context is content-driven, as we explore state-of-the-art
tools that further student achievement in particular subject matter areas.
Of equal importance, however, is that technology use be grounded in broader
educational approaches known to be effective, such as those which LSS
research has shown to foster resilience and facilitate educational and
personal success. The following three themes represent educational
approaches in which the contribution of learning technologies is especially
enriching and around which ATL activity is organized: Building Learning
Communities
Collaboration among school, family, and community is at the very core of
high-achieving schools. This theme focuses on advanced tools for fostering
and supporting communication and collaboration within and among classrooms,
linking teachers, parents, other educators, and the broader learning
communities in which school activity is embedded.
Featured Technologies: Advanced networking architectures; Knowledge-building
tools; Media on-demand; Conferencing tools; Groupware; Enhanced
Internet/Intranet development.
Promoting Inquiry and Reflection
Enhanced student learning and motivation can be promoted through
technology-enriched activities in which design projects, challenging
scenarios, and other types of authentic and engaging investigations provide
a context for meaningful student learning. Approaches and tools considered
in this theme address how these activities can be designed to foster student
achievement and lead to the development of lifelong learning skills.
Featured Technologies: Visualization, modeling and simulation tools;
Web-based projects and investigations; Intelligent tutors; Personal Digital
Assistants; Electronic probes.
Linking Instruction and Assessment
The integration of hypertext and digital media (hypermedia) provides rich
and tangible ways to document and bring together instructional activity,
student work, and educational standards. The focus of this theme is on
innovative tools and strategies for transforming teaching, learning, and
testing into diverse ongoing opportunities for assessment and
self-reflective activity.
Featured Technologies: Hypermedia and Internet-enhanced authoring
systems; Digital media creation tools; Multimedia databases; Integrated
learning systems |
