Using technology as a teaching tool

The challenge and rewards of keeping up with technology in a learning environment are being addressed at the e-Learning Showcase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 9 in room 200 at Cline Library.

The showcase will highlight recent curricular innovations designed to use new or existing technology.

“We will focus on recent work by faculty who are using emerging technologies to develop engaging active learning environments,” said Don Carter, director of NAU’s e-Learning Center.

He said the event showcases how “informal times and places allow for more formal learning by connecting learners with each other, with teachers and experts and with rich content.”

Topics include connecting learners with information by creating web-enhanced courses, working with interactive laboratories, chat rooms, blogs, tablet PCs, Blackboard Vista, iPods, cell phones, Facebook, PDAs and more.

One segment will show how to build a “tool box” of skills to integrate technology. Another will shed light on how web-enhanced classes can help students study abroad while remaining engaged with their home campus.

“The underlying excitement of today’s technology is the ubiquitous nature of connected tools with the adequate capability for delivering new digital media,” Carter said.

Faculty, staff and the public are welcomed to attend this free event. For information and to register, go to www2.nau.edu/~d-elearn/events/detail.php?EVENT_ID=2