New technologies are continually emerging and it is often difficult stay up-to-date with new developments or the opportunities they afford for teaching and learning. Many new technologies and software models are compatible with open and distance learning, as well as with the open educational resources movement.
An innovative approach to charting new technology trends and their application in teaching and learning is a feature of graduate course at the University of British Columbia. The course is called Ventures in Learning Technology.
The instructors have identified 8 technology themes that groups of students explore and document in a MediaWiki environment, like WIkipedia, that they make accessible to the public as an OER.
You have an opportunity to benefit from these student explorations of learning technologies, too.
Currently, the students are 8 exploring themes. They include:
The student-led explorations are guided using 5 evaluation "vectors." The student are assigned to create an OER as a "report card" on technologies using the 5 vectors.
The 5 vectors:
Explore the Ventures in Learning Technology wiki and its analyses of 8 emerging technologies for teaching and learning.
Each of the technology themes can be reached directly at the links below.
Do you agree with the analyses presented by the students in this course?
Are there technologies or technology themes missing?
Look for other web sites on the Internet that chart development in learning technologies and be prepared to manage the links you find and share them with colleagues.