Technology enhanced learning

Definition

Technology enhanced learning (or technology-enhanced learning or TEL) does not have a commonly accepted precise definition: DSchneider thinks that there at least four percpetions:

1. TEL is a synonym for any sort of educational technologies
2. TEL is a synonym for e-learning or
3. TEL can refer to technology-enhanced classrooms (which in turn can mean either a classroom with hardware or ICT use in classroom teaching) or
4. TEL can express an attitude in favor of "seamless" (or integrated) interactive learning environments as opposed to content-driven SCORM-like e-learning environmnets. As example see: One-to-one TEL or technologies used in project-oriented instructional designs

• As an example of a large definition we can list "focus areas" of University of Missouri-Rolla's Center for Technology enhanced learning: Peer-to-peer learning applications, participatory simulation, virtual reality, Sharable Learning Objects and Distributed Learning Environments (e.g. main stream e-learning), Interactive learning system, technology enabled classrooms.

• Example of e-learning-like definition: “Technology enhanced learning leverages technology to maximize learning within an environment of sound course design that can offer students the options of time, place, and pace and emphasizes different learning styles.” (TEL Committe, University of Texas: p. 6)

• Example of a seamless learning perspective: “Seamless learning implies that a student can learn whenever they are curious in a variety of scenarios and that they can switch from one scenario to another easily and quickly using the personal device as a mediator. These scenarios include learning individually, with another student, a small group, or a large online community, with possible involvement of teachers,mentors, parents, librarians, workplace professionals, and members of other supportive communities, face-to-face or at a distance in places such as classroom, campus, home, workplace, zoo, park, and outdoors.” (One-To-One Technology-Enhanced Learning, retrieved 18:30, 17 July 2006 (MEST)).

Links

• TELS hosted at UC Berkeley is a good example of an ambitious TEL project that includes research, development and field work.

• G1on1

• The Design Principles Home Page

References

• Report of the Technology Enhanced Learning Committee (2004), The University of Texas at Austin, November 2004,PDF

• Chan, Tak-Wai et al. (2006), Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning Vol. 1, No. 1 (2006) 3-29, World Scientific Publishing Company & Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education. PDF