- In 2011, The New York Times noted that "a growing number of schools across the nation are embracing the iPad as the latest tool to teach Kafka in multimedia, history through "Jeopardy"-like games and math with step-by-step animation of complex problems." The technology provides step-by-step animations for solving complex problems in addition to real-world simulation for historical lessons. Students can correspond with faculty members at home and digitally hand in homework. The interaction enables educators to extend learning outside of the classroom with a constant stream of communication.
- Students can use phones to complement classroom lessons at home and while traveling. Flash-free camera phones help document field trips and art projects. Students can then upload pictures to an academic website. Application downloads enable students to participate in traditional literature as they write novels and edit the work of their peers through texting. Teachers can send their students' reports and documentation to major news organizations via text, or send podcasts to students.
- Wikis, or social software, are utilized as learning and assessment tools in higher education. The collection of interlinked, editable web pages provides support for group activities and projects through open access collaboration. Students can self-regulate and modify each other's web pages, allowing for optimal efficiency. Teachers often create Wiki pages to allow students to host virtual field trips, share review notes and provide feedback on their peers' progress.
- Social media sites, including Twitter and Facebook, allow educators to create digital learning communities. Teachers can chat with their students about classroom assignments, supplemental material, and guest lectures. Such status updates may prompt thought-provoking discussions between students and larger society. Students can also "friend" professionals with specific expertise to gain further insight on projects and research papers.
previous post