• General Info

    • The Big Idea

      Welcome to Tech Tips! Tech Tips was created as a space for instructors to find new ideas for incorporating technologies into the classrooms. Please read the below information before you begin. Additionally, find the Forum section so that you can share your experience with other instructors.

      Technology is a fun and exciting way to change some of your classroom curriculum. However, before jumping into it, it's important to note the difference between a technology-centered and a learner-centered approach. Richard Mayer, one of my favorite Multimedia theorists, explains important differences between following a technology-centered approach as opposed to a learner-centered approach.

      A technology-centered approach involves asking which technology would be best for presenting information (Mayer, 2009). For example, if I have a camera and an ipad, I will decide to use one or both devices to enhance my curriculum. 

      A learner-centered approach involves asking whether a given technology enhances human cognition (2009). For example, if you choose to play a video while also playing a radio behind it, it probably won't enhance student cognition because the audio with the radio and the video will clash. 

      The main takeaway from this short post is to question why you are going to use a given technology. You should not use the given technology if your answer is consistent with the mindset of a technology-centered approach. Instead, you should question how that technology might enhance student cognition? 

      Thanks for taking the time to read this! 

      Source: Mayer, R. Multimedia Learning. Santa Barbara: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Print.

       
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The BioDigital Human

  • The BioDigital Human

    • The Big Idea

      The BioDigital Human enables students to see and interact with the human body in 3D. It can be used as an app or on the computer. Users have the ability to explore different sections and conditions of the body. They may also create their own body and share it with other users. The BioDigital Human is an effective technology for increasing coursework visuals and activities. It may also increase learner retention, engagement, and motivation for completing course work. 

       

       

       

    • How To:

      Please read the below directions or watch the instructional video: 

       (http://youtu.be/SxyDd2mLAME)

      • Sign up at BioDigital Human
      • Log in
      • Once you login, you can either:
        • click the anatomy tab and search by system or region
        • click the Conditions tab and search by location or feature
        • click the Community tab to search what other people are building
        • click the My Human tab to create your personal 3D human. To do so, you need to press the start button when you see an image you like and it will duplicate on your My Human page.

       

       

    • Resources

      https://www.biodigital.com/

      Keller, M. J. (1987). Development and Use of the ARCS Model of Instructional Design. Journal of Instructional Development, 10, 1-3.

      http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02905780#page-1

      Gagné, R. (1985). The Conditions of Learning and the Theory of Instruction (4th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

       
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