The potential of technology-supported learning

As showed, simply introducing digital technology into education for technology’s sake does not materially improve results. Such whole-system reforms need to place teaching practice rather than technology in the driving seat. This chapter explores how innovative approaches to technology-supported learning can truly enhance education. It considers five models of how teaching can be supported by technology: 1) educational gaming, 2) online laboratories, 3) technology-enabled collaboration, 4) real-time formative assessment and 5) technological support for skills-based curricula, using examples from the Hewlett Packard Catalyst Initiative project.It then considers other means by which technology can improve learning, whether in schools or for individuals: e-learning, where the web is to support learning open educational resources, which provide customisable materials for teachers and learners and new forms of online education, such as massive open online courses which potentially make education available to anyone, anywhere, at any time.