Using technologies in your teaching

Use of technology in teaching is now almost a given. Effective, integrated use of technology to truly enhance teaching and learning however requires understanding and familiarity with the technology itself and also the broader context of its use. It usually requires some rethinking of the way in which teaching and learning occurs and a careful examination of the:

1. Teaching/learning need or problem to be 'solved' by use of a technology 
2. Specific affordances of a particular technology 
3. Pedagogical approach or teaching style that will be used to implement the inclusion of the technology (e.g. a case, project or inquiry -based approach, small or large group work, lecture or online teaching)

Quality teaching and learning with technology results from recognition of the relationship of these three elements and it often requires collaboration with other people,  stakeholders, and disciplines. 

Purposeful use of technologies

Technologies should only be used when they serve a  purpose in your teaching. They might for example be used to:

1. Help students achieve the intended learning outcomes.
2. Realise one or more principles for good practice in education e.g. use of a social network to enable small group work and discussion. 
3. Offer students choice concerning where and when they learn.
4. Enable formative and/or summative assessments. 

So teaching and learning considerations should drive the choice of technologies and/or media.

Available Technologies

There is of course a huge array of various technologies and media that might be used to support your students in their learning. 

The FMHS TeachingPlus website will introduce you to some of the technologies available to enhance your teaching at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland.

Trends in Technology Use for Teaching

The following resources provide an overview of the current and increasing use of technologies to support development of such areas as learning analytics, the flipped classroom, threshold concepts, and assessment: