Challenge-Based Learning Using iPad Technology in the Middle School

Instructional models such as Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) reflect changes in traditional methods of teaching. CBL, developed by Apple, promotes problem-based learning, where collaboration and hands-on learning are key elements in the process (Larmer, Ross, & Mergendoller, 2009). Today's learners must develop information literacy and media literacy skills to communicate by way of 21st century tools, and new instructional models reflect these changes. The integration of technology in the classroom has affected education models in elementary and secondary schools across the nation. This chapter presents a mixed-methods study of a middle school involved in a one-to-one iPad initiative. In order to promote student-centered instruction through the use of technology, the middle school adopted a CBL model of instruction. This examination of teachers' concerns with pedagogy and technology depicts readiness for integration and implications of new innovations. The process of change and technology integration is addressed in this chapter.

Three Instructional Models to Integrate Technology and Build 21st Century Literacy Skills

Does using technology as a supplemental resource in today's classroom sufficiently complement current practices or can technology form an integral component of instruction and learning? Traditionally, the American education system consisted of classroom learning with the teacher as the primary source of content delivery and textbooks as the chief resource. Presently, technology influences instruction, and its impact will only increase. Many students have constant access to technology via the Internet at home and mobile devices. Therefore, today's learners must develop information literacy and media literacy skills to communicate by way of 21st Century tools. Whereas the availability of technology in the classroom varies among states and districts, instructional strategies, such as problem-based learning, can frame technology as an integral component of education. This chapter will focus on project-based learning, problem-based learning, and challenge-based learning as pedagogies that readily integrate technology to promote new literacies.

Critical Factors for Implementing Blended Learning in Higher Education

The use of blended learning environments in higher education has rapidly increased in the 21st century. Tools and techniques that initially were used in experimental distance education courses are today part of mainstream education with blended learning as a continuum between traditional face-to-face teaching and pure online courses. In this wide variety of course design there are success stories, but at the same time examples with low pass rates and poor learning outcomes. The research question for the study is: Which aspects have to be considered in the design and implementation of blended learning in higher education? To answer this question, 15 selected publications were analysed in a literature review with the aim to identify important and critical factors when implementing blended learning in higher education. As a result of the inductive analysis around 50 found factors have been grouped into 10 Categories of critical factors and 4 Blended learning perspectives in a strive to identify critical aspects of contemporary blended learning in a comprehensive structure. One conclusion is that blended learning today can be seen as a mature educational concept still in need of redesign. Problems that were reported two decades ago are now combined with other more recently identified critical factors. The presented categories and perspectives might be valuable as a checklist for implementations of blended learning and hopefully a useful base for further research in the field of blended learning.