Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching

this book was professionally laid out. nice page materials and cd. very informative as well as can be used as a resource.

This book is a great resource for any teacher who would like to incorporate technology into the classroom. It not only gives useful information about each type of technology, but it also offers great ideas on how to integrate the specific technolgies into your lesson plans. This book is engaing, interesting and useful.

Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching explores techniques that teachers may use to introduce and implement computer technologies in their classroom. Robyler makes it clear from the beginning, however, that the most demonstrably effective uses of technology are at middle and high school levels. The text is divided into four sections, one background and three of resources and applications. Part I provides information on technology's role in education. The author stresses the importance of developing sound rationale for integrating computer technologies. She reminds readers that computer based materials and strategies are but tools in a larger system that must be integrated carefully with other resources and with teacher activities. Robyler devotes a chapter to discussing the relative benefits and limitations of both Directed and Constructivist models of teaching. Rather than fueling the debate, however, the author proposes that neither model in itself can meet the needs of all students. In fact, this balance characterizes the entire book. Throughout, Robyler alerts readers to the pitfalls of ascribing to any one method or technology and reminds us that learners require a variety of styles of instruction. In Part II, specific strategies are explored for integrating instructional software and media tutors and tools into the curriculum. Part III considers capabilities of distance learning, Internet resources and trends in emergent technologies. Part IV addresses the use of technology in various subject areas. Coverage of each contains URLs to useful websites. The book also thoroughly addresses technology applications for students with special needs. As in the rest of the book, Robyler addresses issues and problems with special education technology as well as its benefits. Finally, the book contains an appendix with rubrics and checklists to aid teachers in assessing their uses of technology and a supplemental section with very practical suggestions on navigating and trouble-shooting the Internet and creating websites. In addition, there is a companion website to the text that offers support and additional instruction on each chapter. Tutorial software is packaged with the text that offers hands-on practice in creating the products discussed in some of the exercises. If I had any criticism of the book, it is that it is overwhelming in its comprehensiveness. I would not suggest it for a novice computer user, although the book is billed as such. Generally, however, I appreciate the author's balanced approach and could not help but be impressed by her sheer volume of knowledge. I would certainly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in integrating technology in the classroom and as a college text it was invaluable.

i teach courses in instructional technology and this textbook is a valuable resource. i use the online textbook companion for students to respond to portfolio and multiple choice questions and submit results for evaluation.

This book is an excellent resource for teachers and schools looking to train teachers in the use of educational technology. The focus is not using technology for technology's sake, but integrating technology into the classroom. A very balanced approach--technology is used to enhance education and motivate students, it will not improve education just by simply bringing it into your classroom. Probably equally as good for teaching a college course.