The Learning Edge: What Technology Can Do to Educate All Children (Technology, Education―Connections

by Alan Bain, Mark E. Weston, Marcia C. Linn (Series Editor)

After billions of dollars, thousands of studies, and immeasurable effort by educators at all levels, why is the performance of students and teachers so unaffected by technology? Moreover, what should be done to extract genuine benefit from the information and communication technology (ICT) revolution? In this groundbreaking book, technology and education experts Alan Bain and Mark Weston provide research-based evidence for how the widespread application of ICT can provide powerful learning opportunities that lead to lasting gains and achievement. They show how the integrated use of technology at all levels of the educational system can greatly expand collaborative learning opportunities by giving all educational stakeholders powerful problem-solving tools and solutions. The approaches presented here are grounded in over 20 years of experience working with classroom teachers, school leaders, association members, and policymakers.

Book Features:

A strategic blueprint for using commonly available technology tools to drive measurable and sustainable change in education. Vignettes of classrooms and schools successfully using technology across the curriculum. A solutions-oriented presentation, including practical examples of alternative courses of action at all levels of the education system. A concluding section at the end of each chapter that summarizes key ideas.

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 2011

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me during a webinar, and again on twitter. The book reads like a research paper, so it took me some time to get through it. The concept in it is wonderful. I agree wholeheartedly with the authors on what needs to happen to improve how technology is perceived and used in schools today. I was hoping to obtain the software they spoke of so frequently in the book, but that seems to be a separate purchase. The book is very technical. If you're not aware of some of the terminology used today, it can be a difficult to read. Add to that their own terminology for the things they would like to see change and it can be a little confusing; I would recommend a reference in the back for acronyms and phrases that are unique to this book.

My biggest struggle with this is that it really read like a large research paper. The parenthetical citations really make it challenging for me to get through to the core ideas being discussed. While there were fewer of these as the book progressed, it was still a challenge. Overall, I was pleased with the content, but found it to be a very in-depth read.

I would recommend this to those who are seeking to improve technology in their districts or work places even. For the average educator, this could be a challenge and would be difficult to implement as technology is often not the focus of an educator's concern.

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit hard to get through, but good points.

[Tom Whitford]

Loving this book so far. Great learning for all educators.