Introduction
In the digital age, teachers and students in all disciplines have much to gain from the boom in information technologies. Through the Internet, they can access a wealth of resources to enhance the educational experience. With a few key strokes, scholars in the United States can communicate with colleagues in Japan, view the latest art exhibit at the Louvre, watch live images from Mars, read rare manuscripts at the National Archives, and enjoy video clips of vaudeville. While some, however, are enjoying the newfound wealth, many feel overwhelmed by the avalanche of information and excluded by the difficulties of these newer technologies.
To help scholars more easily and efficiently integrate information technologies into the classroom, Matrix is building the "[Re]Envisioning the Classroom in the Digital Age." This site will be dedicated to exploring the best practices in humanities computing pedagogy. To this end, we will steer away from advocating the use of technology for technology's sake. Instead we believe in the use of technology to enhance the pedagogy and classroom practices already succeeding in education such as the focus on
- Student Centered Classrooms
- Point of Need Education
- Active Learning Strategies
To this end, this resource concentrates on three areas:
Exploring the Boundaries of Classroom Technology - A listing of technologies being used in the classroom. As fast as computer technology is growing, it's virtually impossible to keep track of new advances. This resource lists the best technologies available for the classroom.
Teaching with Technology - A collection of the ways various technologies are being used in classrooms and some ideas about the benefits and challenges of using these technologies.
Transforming Institutional and Discipline Based Practices - A discussion of how institutions can take steps to help their departments, faculty members, and students take full advantage of newer technologies in their teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Above all Matrix wants to invite other institutions, teachers, and students to share ideas and ask questions about using Internet technologies in the classroom.