Innovative Teaching Technologies
by Chris Burley An Approach that Promotes Interactive Learning
Education technology resources are available for educators and students that not only promote interactive learning but encourage group online discussion as well. In particular, the Creative Commons—a non-profit organization—allows educators and students to make full use of previously created work in their online and in-person classrooms.
Open Educational Resources
For example, the Open Eductional Resources on the Creative Commons site gives educators and students a chance to make full use of public domain material that is available for reuse or repurposing. By using this forum, educators can create individualized lesson plans or provide lectures by way of video. In turn, students are able to use the materials for presentational purposes as well as essays or reports as long as proper credit is given.
Education Technology Platforms
Some of the classroom technology platforms available through the Creative Commons include:
- The Kahn Academy, which supplies over 3000 educational videos;
- The CK-12 Foundation, which provides up-to-date flexbooks for teachers and students that are free to use;
- Curriki – an Internet community made for teachers and students to share lesson content via a wiki platform; and
- Connexions – a site that allows teachers to create customized lessons for students from modules, or information taken from courses and textooks.
The Matter of Privacy – Ensuring Safety Online
Indeed, Creative Commons is a great resource for educators and students who want to make full use of the large amount of information that is available online. However, you still have to be conscious about privacy. Therefore, make sure that the names that students use are acronyms or monikers other than their own and that any images which are posted meet the mandates set by your local school board.
Discussion
Please discuss the following questions below!
- What online technologies and/or resources do you use? Which are most effective?
- What are some of the benefits/drawbacks of online video vs. an actual teacher in the classroom?
- How do you keep students from being overwhelmed with the enormous amount of content available to utilize?