Abstract:

The dramatic growth and influence of technology have impacted how we as educators facilitate the learning experience. The Social Networking Service or Site (SNS) has changed the way our students learn and communicate. The new and evolved Community Well is the watering hole for the digital natives. Though the (usually older and traditional) sceptics find it difficult to acknowledge or adapt to the changing scene, emerging technologies proffer exciting options for learning environments. The influence of technology is indubitably irresistible and as an old saying goes, resistance is futile. With more research in this area, a careful review of available educational technologies looks quite promising. Adaptive technologies and Self-Directed Learning along with specialized software suites or websites (MIT Scratch, Renzulli Learning System, WebQuest, eBooks, LMS, etc.) allow dynamic learning opportunities – not only for the gifted/talented or at-risk students but all students. Individualized learning prospects along with blended/online systems and SNS offer a rich variety of learning environments. What we need is more professional development to connect the lines between pedagogy and technology. Educators can benefit from a critical and balanced approach towards judicious application of emerging technologies within a strong theoretical framework (e.g., TPACK, WebQuest). The efficacy of a successful learning ecosystem depends on a meaningful curriculum development complemented with corollary assessment techniques. How can we integrate technologies for long-term development without being enslaved by transitory fads? What are the pitfalls and how can we be cognizant of cautionary information highway road signs? Using a sample case study that utilized Facebook as the Community Well, this presentation will highlight the evolution and impact of emerging technologies and explore the possibilities and limitations of integrating such technologies into the learning environment.

Keywords:

Social Networking, Academic Technologies, Critique of Technology.