Although some of the Resources we will be using in our investigation will be added here, there is a Diigo group created for this purpose also. Feel free to join in here: http://groups.diigo.com/groups/unconnectedclassroom


We will collect resources in the following categories:

1. Teaching/learning methods and strategies that are either based on technology-oriented techniques or are those that we know work well with technology but are also effective without technology or connectivity.
   
2. Technologies that are best suited for limited technology/connectivity situations (mobile phone, XO computer, mp3 players, etc.)
3. Media sources that will provide a backdrop for our discussion (Video, Presentations, Podcasts, Blog Postings, Articles, Our Flickr Group, etc)
4. Primary source "Experience-Sharing Annecdotes" from discussion board postings, interviews (skype, email, chat, phone, etc)
5. References to lead us in effective Participatory Action Research

PDF's worth downloading:
21st Century Learning Initiative Policy Paper
iPod Education: Innovations in the Implementation of Mobile Learning
How to bring our schools out of the 20th Century
Teacher Professional Development, Technology, and Communities of Practice: Are We Putting the Cart before the Horse?
Technology Integration Matrix


Preview of WebPages that will aid in informing:


Readings to Aid in Informing....


Experts Highlight Challenges of E-learning in Africa
"Despite e-learning's potential to help meet Africa's educational and manpower needs, event speakers said that erratic power supplies, weak ICT infrastructure, poor educational funding and an absence of experts have combined to rob the continent of a vital chance at improving its stake in the digital economy."

Dvorak's Mind Share Shame: Junk Computers
"The main mind-share shame is that not enough of it is focused on building realistic and affordable Children's Machine XO pilot implementation plans, instead of proposing budget-busting implementation miracles."

Impact of New Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on Socio-economic and Educational Development of Africa and the Asia-Pacifice: Private
"However, the implementation of ICTs is occurring in a context where the cultural and institutional barriers are not well addressed. The assumption often made is that if one just purchases a few computers and modems, a post-industrial society can magically result. Africans and those in the Asia-Pacific are generally in the position of consumers and thus in a position where they cannot yet define the media in their terms. "

Is Google Making Us Stupid?
"The more they use the Web, the more they have to fight to stay focused on long pieces of writing."

Pedagogy First? Whatever.
Pedagogy should not even be a consideration during the planning stages of technology use. Harsh statement? Perhaps, but it's a reality. Few Utopian situations exist where our decisions on how to teach can be based exclusively on pedagogy. Resources, expertise, technology, needs (of learners, educators, society), and funds impact what we choose to do. In a world: context. The mix of multiple, mutually influencing factors determine what we types of technology we select.