This chapter highlights the importance of leveraging USask’s Learning Technology Ecosystem. It covers the different types of Learning Technology tools, their benefits, and limitations, along with factors influencing their selection and implementation. 

Why Leverage the Learning Technology Ecosystem in Your Teaching?

Learning Technology is the “hardware, software, and/or processes to facilitate learning” (Smaldino, Lowther, & Russell, 2008, p. 371). learning technology can capture students’ attention and make learning more engaging and enjoyable. These tools allow for personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs and preferences, promoting student autonomy and mastery of content. By providing access to a wealth of educational resources and materials, learning technology expands learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms and fosters digital literacy skills essential for success in today’s technology-driven world. The collaborative features of learning technology platforms enable students to work together, share ideas, and provide feedback, enhancing communication and teamwork skills.

USask Student Competency: Leveraging Technology

USask believes that “students who can leverage technology are able to use digital/technological tools and systems ethically, appropriately, and effectively to complete tasks and accomplish goals.” For students to be able to do this, they need to be exposed to, and taught how to leverage technology. It is important to provide students with these opportunities.

Aligning Learning Technology Tools with Learning Outcomes

When incorporating learning technology into instruction, it’s important to consider its purpose and how it will serve specific learning outcomes. Learning technology choices should align with the goals of the course or activity and address the most challenging aspects of teaching. Rather than using learning technology for its own sake, educators should focus on addressing pinch points or bottlenecks in student comprehension and performance. This requires thoughtful consideration of how learning technology can enhance teaching practices and support student learning effectively.

USask’s 3E Framework for Implementing Technology

Tips for Integration 

In 2020, the Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning recommend using the following tips to begin to integrate technology into your online course:

Understanding Learning Technology Tools

Types of Learning Technology Tools Available

With the vastness of learning technology tools available, and on the rise, it can be difficult to know where to begin adding learning technology tools into your online platform. There are many new terms that can be overwhelming for instructors when beginning to incorporate EdTech.

The University of Saskatchewan has organized the different, types of learning technology tools into the following categories:

• • Assessment Tools
  • Audience Response Tools
  • Brainstorming and Mind-mapping Tools
  • Content Creation Tools
  • Content Delivery Tools
  • Course Management Tools
  • Discussion Tools
  • Document Collaboration Tools
  • ePortfolio Tools
  • Generative AI Tools
  • Peer Review Tools
  • Reference Management Tools
  • Reflection Tools
  • Web Conferencing Tools
  • Web Design Tools

Supported Learning Technology Tools 

Below are just a few of the supported learning technology tools used by USask instructors.

Additionally, the University of Saskatchewan’s Learning Technologies page provides illustrative examples of learning and teaching strategies using various learning technology tools. It covers a range of topics including interactive activities, multimedia learning, virtual labs, collaborative tools, assessment methods, and more. Each example demonstrates how learning technology can be effectively integrated into teaching practices to enhance student engagement, promote active learning, and improve academic outcomes.

Building Active Engagement and Critical Thinking Through the use of Learning Technology Tools

To support active engagement strategies, educators can leverage various learning technology tools and platforms. The way that instructors decide how to incorporate their learning technology tools in their courses is a factor for student success. Mandernac suggests that “online tools provide an efficient means by which instructors can shift the instruction of basic concepts outside of class so that students are prepared to fully engage in class activities” (n.d., p. 44). This strategy can be effective and the use of interactive activities, such as games and simulations, can be employed to stimulate student interest and encourage participation within your online course. To promote active engagement with course content, instructors should craft tasks that mirror the real-world challenges students are likely to encounter. These tasks should be designed to both support and challenge students’ thinking, prompting them to critically assess their ideas against different viewpoints and contexts (Mandernac, n.d.). Lastly, gamification elements and immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can further enhance student engagement by making learning interactive, immersive and enjoyable.

Strategies for Evaluating Student Engagement with Learning Technology Tools

Collecting feedback from students on the effectiveness of learning technology tools is essential for evaluating student engagement, achievement, and satisfaction with technology-enhanced learning experiences. By gathering input directly from students, educators can gain valuable insights into the usability, effectiveness, and overall impact of learning technology tools on the learning process. This feedback allows instructors to identify areas of improvement, address any challenges or concerns students may have, and tailor instructional strategies to better meet the needs and preferences of learners. Additionally, soliciting feedback fosters a sense of student ownership and involvement in the learning process, empowering them to play an active role in shaping their educational experiences.

Strategies:

• Student Learning Experience Questionnaire (SLEQ): Structured framework for student reflection on learning experiences, aiding educators in gathering comprehensive feedback on technology integration.
• Verbal conversations: Personalized approach for instructors to engage directly with students, discussing experiences, challenges, and improvement suggestions.
• Surveys and polls: Convenient methods to gather feedback from larger student groups, enabling educators to collect quantitative data on perceptions and preferences related to EdTech usage.

Technology Support

Utilizing suitable technology can enhance both teaching and learning experiences for educators and students alike. Familiarity with chosen technologies enables seamless integration into teaching methods and enhances students’ learning experiences. However, encountering new technologies may require additional training, and there may be instances where technological tools do not perform as expected.

Flexible Learning and Technology: Learning Technology Support