The possibility of being always connected to the Internet and/or the mobile network (hence the term "always-on") is increasingly blurring the borderline between physical and digital spaces, introducing a new concept of space, known as "hybrid." Innovative forms of teaching have been developing in hybrid spaces for some time…

The author describes the three bases upon which she rejects the assumption that a technology and its use are neutral: every technology predisposes a certain use; shapes habits of mind and social organizations; and is the outcome of deliberate choices made by individuals and societies. She then proposes a "triadic model" of technological…

Most classrooms in the U.S. are composed of students with different learning styles and experiences as well as different achievement levels (Ferguson, 2001). Personalized learning is a unique way of students' learning determined by their own learning style, pace, and needs. Focusing on individual differences, personalized instruction aims to…

Web 2.0 tools have emerged as conducive for innovative pedagogy and transformative learning opportunities for youth. Currently,Web 2.0 is often adopted into teachers' practice to simply replace or amplify traditional instructional approaches rather than to promote or facilitate transformative educational change. Current models of innovation…

Avatars are gaining popularity as an emerging technology to facilitate learning and instruction. Avatars can be used as agents of e-learning applications or as part of immersive learning environments such as Second Life. Research indicates that avatar use has numerous potential benefits, including increased student engagement and opportunities for…

This article provides personal reflections about aspects of the draft "National Educational Technology Plan 2010". Its focus is on ideas in the Plan that could be foundational for transforming our industrial-era schooling system. In sharing these thoughts, the author is speaking only for himself: they do not necessarily reflect the discussions or…

This article presents a detailed description of the powerful and necessary role which technology can play in the information-age paradigm of education described in the four articles comprising this series. This article calls for a learning management system (LMS), a comprehensive and integrated application of technology to the learning process,…

This is the fourth and final installment in a series of articles presenting a new outlook on the methods of instructional design. These articles examine the nature of the process of instructional design and are meant to stimulate discussion about the roles of designers in the fields of instructional design, the learning sciences, and interaction…

Considers the role of technology in education. Topics include models of computing; goals of education; opportunities that technology provide, including virtual communities, curriculum development, and a leverage for change; and challenges, including limited resources for professional development, lack of effective instructional design, and…

Discussion of electronic learning and Web-based learning focuses on blended learning programs which can include offline and online learning; self-paced and live, collaborative learning; structured and unstructured learning; and custom content and off-the-shelf content. Describes a model, called Khan's Octagonal Framework, which can be used to…

Presents a model and an underlying process for selecting technology mediated teaching strategies. Discusses the use of the Internet in the learning process; computer-mediated communication; educational appropriateness of technology adoption; technology integration; learning principles for the model; and how to implement the model. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the framework developed by the Expert Panel on Educational Technology, considers the tradeoffs of its broad-based approach, and presents an alternative model for assessing educational technology programs. Discusses what can be expected from educational technology programs; how educational change occurs; barriers to effective technology…

Discusses the use of constructive modeling and virtual simulation in team training; describes a military application of constructive modeling, including technology issues and communication protocols; considers possible improvements; and discusses applications in team-learning environments other than military, including industry and education. (LRW)