The Digital Journey: Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning

This chapter provides educators with innovative strategies to enhance learning and technology. The authors use a variety of creative approaches that integrate interdisciplinary techniques. Such examples include integrating learning theory and technology, creative problem solving through technology, using technology to enhance teaching and learning methods, visualizing information through technology (with art and design), and additional technology tools for practical application. How will technological advancement continue to transform the teaching and learning process in the digital age? As educators explore answers to this question, we consider our present students and their strengths and needs which guide teaching and learning choices in classrooms. The authors of this chapter explore how technology has facilitated greater opportunities for learners to engage in non-linear, interactive, and ubiquitous learning experiences. Strategies and tools that teachers have adapted for pedagogical practices to meet the needs of digital age learners are shared. THE DIGITAL JOURNEY: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO TEACHING AND LEARNING Technology is used every day and its use has increased rapidly for people of all ages, especially for the youngest citizens. For example in America, 40% of 3-month-old infants regularly view screen media as reported by Zimmerman, Christakis and Meltzoff in 2007. The amount of time children and adolescents spend using technology has likely increased since then. Although television is the media of choice for children, youth and adults, with each new type of technological device, screen time is increased (Rideout, 2011). In a quickly changing technology landscape, educators of all Susannah Brown Florida Atlantic University, USA Jennifer Bird Florida Atlantic University, USA Ann Musgrove Florida Atlantic University, USA Jillian Powers Florida Atlantic University, USA