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Alternative Modes of Teaching and Learning

Tools for supporting teaching and learning

Meta Tools - Tools specifically designed to facilitate the creation of other tools

Databases

What is it?

...A collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data. You can think of a database as an electronic filing system...

ZDNet Webopedia Definition and Links

What does it allow to happen?

Users can store information in a form that facilitates later retrieval by providing a keyword or a structured query.

How can it be used educationally?

• Recording student information for administrative purposes
• Record results of research
• Examine and interpret collected data

Costs/Benefits

See Costs and Benefits of the use of Technology in Teaching and Learning
(Bates, 1995:10)

Detail/References

• Bates, A. W. (1995). Technology, Open Learning and Distance Education. London: Routledge.
• Jewett, F. (1998). Evaluating the Benefits and Costs of Mediated Instruction and Distributed Learning. Available at http://www.calstate.edu/special_projects/mediated_instr/
• ZDNet Webopedia Definition and Links - database. Available at http://www.zdwebopedia.com/TERM/d/database.html