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Technology Taxonomy

by Sloan-C

Effective online learning is not driven by technology, but it is enabled by technology. Focusing on particular technologies can be very useful for determining how they enable effective learning. The Technology Taxonomy allows you to look for effective practices by technology type or modality as explained below. You can also search selected topics within categories; in some cases, topics pertain to multiple categories since they apply to multiple technology types or modalities.

AUDIO
In this section, you can search for effective practices which focus on the use of audio relative to the following topics: Podcasting, Feedback, and VOiP

VIDEO
In this section, you can search for effective practices which focus on the use of video relative to the following topics: Podcasting, Streaming Video, and Web Lectures

SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
In online education, synchronous learning refers to learning experiences in which participants are online at the same time and interact in real time (i.e., without a time delay). Synchronous learning events are usually but not always instructor-led; learners are often required to attend, although some synchronous learning experiences can be optional (e.g., online review sessions). In this section, you can search for effective practices which focus on synchronous learning applications relative to the following topics: Whiteboard, Student Response Systems, Streaming Video, Web Lectures, Chat. WebQuest, Social Networking, Collaborative Learning, Blended Learning, ePortfolios, and eBooks.

ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
In online education, asynchronous learning refers to learning experiences in which interaction among participants occurs over time rather than in ‘real-time.’ Asynchronous learning can be instructor-led or self-paced; asynchronous courses can group students into cohorts or allow more flexible scheduling such as open-entry/open-exit. Thus asynchronous learning usually gives participants greater flexibility to pursue learning in a time (and often place) of their choosing. Effective practices related to asynchronous learning applications include the following topics: LMS (Learning Management Systems), Streaming Video, Web Lectures, Blog, Wiki, Webquest, ListServ, Social Networking, Collaborative Learning, Blended Learning, ePortfolios, and eBooks.

MOBILE LEARNING
The term “mobile learning” has different meanings depending on the context. The effective practices listed here focus on how portable technologies support learning and learner mobility by making learning more independent of location. In this section, you can search for effective practices focused on mobile learning relative to the following topics: Laptop, PDA, Handheld/tablet, iPod, Cell phone, and Text Messaging

VIRTUAL LEARNING
Virtual learning refers to learning experiences in which technology enablement substitutes for actual physical presence. Effective practices in this area focus on the following topics:

• Virtual Schools
• Virtual Fieldtrips
• Virtual Reality
• Virtual Labs

DIGITAL LEARNING
Digital learning is a broad term designed to capture other significant technology-related developments in online education which don’t fit readily into other technology-related categories. Effective practices related to digital learning focus on the following topics: Collaborative Learning, Blended Learning, Games and Simulations, ePortfolios, eBooks, Robotics Education, and Education Portals.