Leveraging the power of technology to support teaching and learning is certainly not new. But with more low-cost, easy-to-use, easily accessible devices and systems than ever before, we are at a critical inflection point where we must decide how technology powers and aids learning in the classroom.
But is new technology the cure-all all? Some studies have shown students retain information better in traditional print formats. There’s no question about the potential for new technologies to improve learning, but it’s all in how it’s approached, adapted, and used toward the service of achieving real gains in student performance. It’s issues like this that are explored within the pages of this new Encyclopedia. To maximize shelf life, the editor and authors strove to focus on core topics and issues that will retain relevance in the face of perpetually evolving devices, services and specific techniques.
Features include:
- A collection of 300-350 entries that are organized in A-to-Z fashion in two volumes available in a choice of print or electronic formats.
- Entries, authored by key figures in the field, conclude with cross references and further readings.
- Although organized A-to-Z, a Reader’s Guide groups related articles within broad, thematic areas.
- A detailed Index, the Reader’s Guide themes, and Cross References combine for search-and-browse in the electronic version.
J. Michael Spector is Professor and Chair of Learning Technologies in the College of Information at the University of North Texas. He was previously Professor of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology, Doctoral Program Coordinator for the Learning, Design, and Technology Program, and a Research Scientist at the Learning and Performance Support Laboratory at the University of Georgia (2009-2011). Previously, he was Associate Director of the Learning Systems Institute, Professor of Instructional Systems, and Principal Investigator for the International Center for Learning, Education and Performance Systems at Florida State University (2004-2008). He served as Chair of Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation at Syracuse University (2000-2004) and Director of the Educational Information Science and Technology Research Program at the University of Bergen (1996-1999). He is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin (1978). His recent research is in the areas of intelligent support for instructional design, system dynamics based learning environments, assessing learning in complex domains, distance learning, and technology integration in education. Dr. Spector served on the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (ibstpi) as Executive Vice President; he is on the Executive Committee of the IEEE Learning Technology Technical Committee, is a Past President of the Association for Educational and Communications Technology (AECT) as well as a Past Chair of the Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association. He is the editor (10th year as editor) of the Development Section of Educational Technology Research & Development, and he serves on numerous other editorial boards. He co-edited the third edition of the Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, is again lead editor on the fourth edition, and has more than 100 journal articles, book chapters and books to his credit. Dr. Spector is active in international educational technology developments and was the Conference Co-Chair and Local Organizer for the 2011 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies held at UGA 6-8 July.
