Romeo, G (2004) Teaching, learning and technology: Research, reform, realise their potential
The paper was part of a presentation about the use of computers in education. The author discusses contemporary teaching pedagogy such as learner centred environments and the use of new technology in delivering these new teaching methods. As part of a reform for effective learning learner-centered, knowledge-centred, assessment-centred and community-centred environments are described and promoted. The central role that effective teachers play in promoting these environments is emphasised.
The paper concludes with the analysis of two fictional schools in the near future, the first an high achieving private school, Highville that is oppressive in it’s use of technology (a bit like 1984) is concerned primarily with their students getting the highest university entry scores. The role and the place of the teacher in this environment is minimal.
In contrast the second school, Plainville that is favoured by the author uses the teacher and the technology in a facilitative manner where everyone is learning and happy. The author states that both of theses extremes are idealised and that the truth may be in between.
