Educational Technology in Practice: Research and Practical Case Studies from the Field

Here's the next book in our series. Might get chance to rest from book editing for a bit now :-)

Educational Technology in Practice: Research and Practical Case Studies from the Field

Edited by:
Wanjira Kinuthia, Georgia State University
Stewart Marshall, The University of the West Indies

A volume in the series: Educational Design and Technology in the Knowledge Society. Series Editor(s): Stewart Marshall, The University of the West Indies and Wanjira Kinuthia, Georgia State University

In Press 2010

The field of educational technology is one that requires a high level of problem solving critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to solve problems that are often complex and multi-dimensional. Analyzing cases provides an opportunity to explore professional issues through an environment that allows action researchers, practitioners and students to analyze and reflect on relevant theories and techniques to understand a real problem, ponder solutions and consequences, and develop responses. Hence, this book seeks to provide relevant authentic and realistic cases for such exploration.

This book is guided by the premise that the cases presented will serve as a platform for researchers, practitioners and students to share experiences and best practices in both developing and developed contexts, in an endeavor to bridge the knowledge divide. Throughout the book, various challenges are addressed and educational technology tools and strategies are subsequently employed in an effort to minimize the issues. Notwithstanding, the book also highlights successes and accomplishments in areas and contexts in which educational technology is being harnessed, including reaching more learners, providing more affordable options, and building capacity.

Because of the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of the field and the cases, this book is useful not only in educational technology, but also in other fields. A “Facilitator Guide” is provided for each chapter for educators with their learners.

Get a copy at the web price at: Educational Technology in Practice: Research and Practical Case Studies from the Field

Cases 'n' Places: Global Cases in Educational and Performance Technology

Bit of self promotion I'm afraid. But working on this book, and others in the series, partly explains why my blog posting have been infrequent :-(

Cases 'n' Places: Global Cases in Educational and Performance Technology

Edited by:
Stewart Marshall, The University of the West Indies
Wanjira Kinuthia, Georgia State University

A volume in the series: Educational Design and Technology in the Knowledge Society. Series Editor(s): Stewart Marshall, The University of the West Indies and Wanjira Kinuthia, Georgia State University

Published 2010

Practitioners in the field of educational technology require a high level of problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to deal with learning issues that are often complex and multidimensional. Unfortunately, there are few opportunities for providers of learning services and learners to practice authentic instructional design or educational technology as part of their academic preparation and/or training.

When learners interact with case studies through reasoning and problem solving, learning takes place through the process of analysis, synthesis, application, and evaluation. In particular, case studies that use story telling to reflect problem situations in real-life create an authentic learning environment for learners. This book provides the material that learners can use to interact, reason and apply their problem solving skills in realistic and engaging cases.

Because of the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of the field and the cases, this book is useful not just in educational technology, but also in other fields. A “Facilitator Guide” is provided for each chapter for teachers and trainers using this book with their learners.

Get a copy at the web price at: Cases 'n' Places: Global Cases in Educational and Performance Technology

Ushahidi: Bearing witness to a remarkable idea

Just recently I came across this remarkable example of the power of social software and open source - Ushahidi.

The Ushahidi Engine is a platform that allows anyone to gather distributed data via SMS, email or web and visualize it on a map or timeline. The result is a simple website mashup, using user-generated reports and Google Maps.

It's a simple - but powerful idea. Here is a video with more details: What is Ushahidi? from Ushahidi on Vimeo.



"Ushahidi" means testimony or witness in Swahili. It is a free and open source project with developers hailing from Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Malawi, Netherlands and the USA working on it. The goal is to create the simplest way of aggregating information from the public for use in crisis response.

This volunteer group of open source developers have overcome some significant technological challenges and are always looking for help.

Facebook Project Subtitles

It's been a long time since the last blog. This signifies how busy I've been on other things.

I feel that this age of electronic communication has enabled us all to do things quicker, which instead of saving us time, actually gives us more to do because everyone else is sending us stuff quicker as well. The paradox of the increasing speed of electronic communications.

This is a neat mashup I was recently sent. I like it not only because it represents how I feel about so much of my school education, but also because it includes one of my favourite songs by one of my favourite groups - Pink Floyd.