EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN A HIGH-TECH ENVIRONMENT

Effective teaching and learning empowers a student to take a deep appr oach to learning which results in the desirable outcomes of: holistic appreciation; knowledge that is active; communication and team work sk ills; problem-solving and critical thinking abilities; and lifelong le arning attitudes. This article examines the application and potential of the technology concerned with computer mediated learning in these a reas which are indicative of effective teaching and learning. Technolo gy can be incorporated into pedagogical strategies, and to a certain e xtent can substitute for tried and tested conventional practices, and can apparently achieve similar outcomes. The two main areas where tech nology offers enhanced learning capabilities are simulated or mimetic representations of the real world where experiential learning is possi ble, and in collaborative learning strategies that use web-based commu nication facilities. Technology is lacking in the area of artificial i ntelligence, particularly where the learner requires feedback on matte rs of opinion and interpretation. Technology can offer the means for l earner control where students have greater flexibility and self-determ ination to construct their own meaning and acquire active knowledge.