Classroom 2.0

E-learning includes all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching, including educational technology. The information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process.[1] This often involves both out-of-classroom and in-classroom educational experiences via technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and curriculum. Abbreviations like CBT (Computer-Based Training), IBT (Internet-Based Training) or WBT (Web-Based Training) have been used as synonyms to e-learning. E-learning is the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual education opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio. It is commonly thought that new technologies can make a big difference in education.[2] In particular, children can interact with new media, and develop their skills, knowledge, perception of the world, under their parents' monitoring, of course. Many proponents of e-learning believe that everyone must be equipped with basic knowledge of technology, as well as use it as a medium to reach a particular goal.

Teaching with Technology

Instructional technology (IT) has become an important part of teaching and learning within the classroom as well as working with fully online environments. Resources for educating and assisting faculty about the best practices for using technology has become crucial. These resources need to go beyond how to work with specific software and educators need to understand the ways in which these new tools can make a significant difference in student learning.
TEP's IT support staff are available to assist instructors in exploring different potential technologies that create useful and productive student learning experiences.
This section of the website will:

• offer instructors step-by-step instructions for using some campus-wide available technologies (such as Blackboard and PowerPoint),

• offer suggestions for how instructors might initiate and guide particular technology-supported learning activities,

• present the different roles technology might play in a classroom, and

• promote thinking and reflection about the best uses of technology in the classroom. 

Learning is seen as essentially a social process, requiring communication among learner, teacher and others. This social process cannot effectively be replaced by technology, although technology may facilitate it.