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Student Learning

Many educators would agree that integrating technology into the curriculum in a meaningful way can positively impact student achievement. But what is it about the integration of technology that facilitates student learning? Is it the technology itself, or the way we use it?

Consider these eight principles of good learning that are one part of the Technology as Facilitator of Quality Education (TFQE) model developed at the University of Northern Iowa.

  1. Active involvement facilitates the construction of knowledge.
  2. Learning occurs when the learner is able to identify patterns, make connections and draw relationships.
  3. Learning occurs in both formal and informal settings.
  4. Direct experience helps shape individual understanding.
  5. Learning occurs best in the context of meaningful problems.
  6. Learning requires reflection.
  7. Frequent, meaningful feedback provides opportunities for students to practice and refine what they have previously learned.
  8. Learning occurs best in a cultural context that provides both enjoyable interaction and substantial personal support. (Callahan &Switzer, n.d.)

Now think about the types of learning opportunities that lead to the deep understanding we strive for in education. Technology provides the tools to facilitate these types of learning opportunities.

This section includes resources related to research on learning and the impact of technology on learning, online video examples of effective use of technology, and instructional strategies that play an important role in technology integration.

Reference:
Callahan, W.P. and Switzer, T.J. (n.d.). Technology as Facilitator of Quality Education: A Model. InTime. Retrieved online at http://www.intime.uni.edu/model/modelarticle.html on May 17, 2005.