Technology & Instruction

Computer-Aided Instruction

As a first step in appreciating the roles of Information and Communication Technology in curriculum it is helpful to distinguish between learning About, learning With, and learning From information technologies. In the early days of computer-aided instruction, the focus was on learning About computers. As people began thinking about the role of computers to assist instruction the emphasis shifted to learning From computers. Today, the focus is more frequently on learning With computers - that is, using information technology tools to facilitate an enhanced communication among students, between students and teacher and sometimes with some unknown public.

Steve Jones provides an overview of Computer-Mediated Communication and Community. (http://www.ibiblio.org/cmc/mag/1995/mar/jones.html)

This short piece delineates the various roles of computer technology in instruction. Information and Communication Technology in Science [ http://www.carleton.ca/cwse-on/edu4.htm ]

Although intended for public school educators, this document from Manitoba Education and Training presents a clear discussion on Using Information Technology
[ http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/metks4/docs/policy/tfs/using.html ]

Martin Ryder, Colorado University at Denver, has compiled a comprehensive set of resources on Instructional Learning: Instructional Learning Sites
[ http://carbon.ucdenver.edu/~mryder/itcon.html ]

This article by Thiagi provides useful guidelines for Rapid Instruction Design both with and without computers.