The Open Learning

Teaching Support Links

Given below are some web links on various topics related to teaching with ICT. Click on the links to access external websites. If you would like to share any weblink, please send an email to Teaching Support <ied.openlearning@aku.edu>.

How To Do 11 Techy Things in the New School Year

A guide for teachers looking for guidance on using technology in their classrooms. [Reviewed on March 14, 2011].

Google for Teachers... Books, Docs, and more

A Free Guide from Free Technology for Teachers. [Reviewed on July 14, 2010].

eLearning for Smart Classrooms

This edition of Smart Classrooms Bytes provides an overview of eLearning. It explores the three major components that make up eLearning – digital pedagogy, digital content (including eCurriculum) and eLearning spaces. Also included is a guide to help readers consider the characteristics of effective digital learners, teachers and schools when developing their school’s vision. [Reviewed on July 14, 2010].

What the research says about ICT and motivation

This report is based on an analysis of available research about the motivational effects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on students’ commitment to and engagement in learning. It summarises the key findings and suggests resources for further reading.
[Reviewed on May 14, 2010].

Learning with digital portfolios

This edition of Smart Classroom Bytes gives teachers and administrators a snapshot of the latest thinking on using digital portfolios (ePortfolios) and embedding them into whole-of-school practices for teaching and learning.
[Reviewed on February 15, 2010].

Twelve Essentials for Technology Integration

This guide serves as a starting place for those teachers who need advice on taking their first steps toward integrating technology into their classrooms. It is by no means comprehensive; however, if you want to get started with using technology, it points you to a couple of good web based resources. [Reviewed on September 25, 2009].

Collaborative and Resource Based Learning

This reserach paper presented at the One World Many Voices, 17th World Conference for Distance Education , ICDE in June 1995 provides some insight into collaborative and resource based learning. [Reviewed on September 2, 2008]

The Five-stage Model of Online Learning

A pedagogical model of elearning at KVL: “The five-stage model of online learning" by Gilly Salmon. [Reviewed on August 30, 2008]

Networked Learning

This guidebook 'Effective Networked Learning in Higher Education: Notes and guidelines' by the Centre for Advanced Learning Technology, University of Lancaster has been developed for teachers who are considering the use of networked learning. [Reviewed on August 27, 2008]

Building ICT in Teacher Education Expertise

This website has information and resources for pre-service teacher education programs; however, some resources are equally valid for in-service teacher education. [Reviewed on September 02, 2005]

ICT in Teacher Education

This is a research paper based on a study of online program for distance learning students in English language teaching at the B.Ed. level. The paper concludes, "Communication between students and the students and the teacher in distance learning has become quicker and cooperation has increased. Finally, web conferencing tools are helping learners to socially negotiate new meaning through their interactions with their peers and teachers. Clearly, the use of ICT is shifting the center of control in the e-learning environment and is enabling students to enrich and be more autonomous in their own learning". [Reviewed on September 02, 2005]

e-Moderation Resources

This site has some good links to resources on designing, conducting and assessing electronic discussions. [Reviewed on September 02, 2005]

Twelve Important Questions to Answer Before You Offer a Web Based Curriculum

The authors list twelve questions that, in their view, are important to be considered before offering a web-based curriculum. The authors conclude with this statement: "Although there are no guarantees of success, thoughtful answers to the questions outlined in this paper can help you avoid some of the major pitfalls and program omissions." [Reviewed on September 02, 2005]

The Effect of E-Mail Messages on Student Participation in the Asynchronous On-Line Course: A Research Note

This is a research paper, based on a study aimed at testing "the effect of positive and negative e-mail messages on the activity levels of students in an asynchronous course". The study found that some students needed structure in learning, which was provided through tutor feedback via email messages. However, other students did not need this structure. The study recognizes a need "to identify other variables that effect the student's motivation to succeed in the asynchronous course". [Reviewed on September 02, 2005]