About Book

Educational technology approaches evolved from early uses of teaching tools and have rapidly expanded in recent years to include such devices and approaches as mobile technologies, virtual and augmented realities, simulations and immersive environments, collaborative learning, social networking, cloud computing, flipped classrooms and more. Educational technology is the effective use of technological tools in learning. As a concern an array of tools, such as media, machines and networking hardware, as well as considering underlying theoretical perspectives for their effective application. Technology is continually changing the way we work and play, create and communicate. So, it’s only natural that advancements in digital technology are also creating game-changing opportunities in the world of education. The learning materials today have greatly expanded because of the various technological advances. This book on educational technology discusses the major aspects of technology in education and the processes whereby learning is acquired. It deals with emotional intelligence, tools for education, virtual labs, technology-enhanced learning, pedagogical link, medical education, science education, caregiving, e-learning techniques and parent involvement. Contents in this book highlight the various technologies that enable learning, the theoretical processes that such learning is based on and the overall understanding of both curriculum and the technology that is acquired by students. This book will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge in this branch. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Introductory Chapter: Science Education - Research and New Technologies.................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

Chapter 2 Technology-Enhanced Parent Involvement in Science Education..4

Abstract ..................................................................................................4

1. Introduction ..........................................................................................4

2. Conceptualizations of parent involvement in education .............6

3. Supporting equitable parent involvement in education ..............7

4. A new model of productive parent involvement .........................9

5. Parent roles in a technology-enhanced social learning

environment ........................................................................................13

6. Conclusions .........................................................................................15

Acknowledgements ...........................................................................16

Conflict of interest .............................................................................17

Notes/thanks/other declarations.......................................................17

Chapter 3 The Role of Educational Technology in Caregiving........................19

Abstract.................................................................................................19

1. Introduction..........................................................................................19

2. New technologies: a path to the future.........................................25

3. Recommendations for the development of new technologies for

the elderly and their caregivers.......................................................35

Acknowledgements.............................................................................41

Chapter 4 Machine Learning in Educational Technology..................................48

Abstract ................................................................................................48

1. Introduction..........................................................................................48

2. Related works......................................................................................50

3. The architecture of the virtual assistance framework.................54

4. Technical implementation..................................................................55

5. Conclusion............................................................................................57

Chapter 5 Pedagogical and E-Learning Techniques for Quality Improvement

of ICT Education.......................................................................................59

Abstract.................................................................................................59

1. Introduction..........................................................................................60

2. Importance of ICT for the teaching, learning and evaluation

(TLE) process.......................................................................................60

3. Digital learning environment (e-learning).....................................64

4. Important learning methodologies and other pedagogies.........65

5. Importance of pedagogical techniques in ICT education and

general education................................................................................68

6. Experimental application model for enhancement of quality ICT

education...............................................................................................69

7. Sample presentation of the activity models..................................71

8. Methodology for the validation of the model through statistical

investigation.........................................................................................73

9. Implementation of the experiential application model under the

test platform.........................................................................................74

10. Outcomes of the study.......................................................................77

11. Conclusion............................................................................................79

Chapter 6 Innovative Technologies for Medical Education...............................83

Abstract..........................................................................................................83

1. Introduction..........................................................................................83

2. State-of-art............................................................................................84

3. The magic mirror................................................................................92

4. Conclusion............................................................................................98

Acknowledgements.............................................................................98

Chapter 7 Mindfulness Based on the Perceptive Consciousness as Pedagogical Link Between Technology and Education........................................103

Abstract........................................................................................................103

1. Introduction........................................................................................103

2. Purpose of study...............................................................................105

3. Mindfulness........................................................................................105

4. Mindfulness applied.........................................................................108

5. Conclusions........................................................................................113

Chapter 8 Leadership in Implementing Technology-Enhanced Learning in Educational Institutions........................................................................115

Abstract...............................................................................................115

1. Introduction........................................................................................115

2. Successful approaches to integrating Information and

Communications Technology (ICT)...............................................116

3. Challenge for educational management.......................................118

4. Blended learning...............................................................................120

5. Implementing technology-facilitated learning.......................................121

6. Evolution of E-learning content.....................................................124

7. Looking to the future.......................................................................124

8. Proposed strategy for educational institutions...........................127

9. Proposed strategic deployment model.........................................128

10. Conclusion..........................................................................................133

Chapter 9 The Meaning of Education in the Age of Technology.................138

1. Introduction ......................................................................................138

2. Is the man more than merely a product of technology? ........139

3. Apocalyptic threats of the instrumentalized society ................144

4. Reflection on values, the meaning and ethics9...................................................147

5. A conflict or reconciliation between the anthropocentric and

ecocentric holistic paradigms15 ......................................................152

6. Synthesis of conclusions .................................................................160

Chapter 10 Biotechnology Virtual Labs: Facilitating Laboratory Access Anytime-Anywhere for Classroom Education.................................168

1. Introduction........................................................................................168

2. Why virtual labs? ...........................................................................171

3. Other virtual labs and online courses in biosciences ..............173

4. Amrita VL...........................................................................................174

5. Techniques – Animation, simulations and remote-triggered

experiments .......................................................................................174

6. Models in biology – As virtual labs ............................................175

7. Major challenges ..............................................................................177

8. Methodology ...................................................................................179

9. Feedback and assessment .............................................................180

10. Case study: Virtual neurophysiology laboratory ...................181

11. Taking project tiger to the classroom: A virtual lab case

study ...................................................................................................184

12. Cost of virtual labs...........................................................................189

13. Some evaluatory setbacks and associated feedback..................189

14. Conclusion and further remarks ..................................................190

15. Acknowledgment..............................................................................191

Chapter 11 Exploring New Technological Tools for Education: Some Prototypes

and Their Pragmatical Classification.................................................194

1. Introduction........................................................................................194

2. To learn by enjoying oneself..........................................................195

3. Developing digital games for educational goals........................196

4. Field experiences: “ProActive” and “T3-teaching to Teach with

Technology” Projects........................................................................198

5. The Platform.......................................................................................215

6. Discussion of results.........................................................................219

Chapter 12 How to Influence the New Technologies in the Emotional Intelligence

and Communication of Higher Education Student ........................ 224

1. Introduction........................................................................................224

2. Discussion and conclusions ...........................................................234

Citation......................................................................................................239

Index...........................................................................................................241

About Author

Suzy Bolivar obtained her Ph.D. in Education from Public Research University, Antwerp. She is a Guest Lecturer at Community College, Greifswald. She has been presented the "Distinguished Teaching Award" for her outstanding teaching service and the impact she has made worldwide. Bolivar is also working with a software development firm and researching on new media in educational technology. She has spent more than a decade in the field of education and has authored numerous articles and books in e-learning. She has also attended numerous scientific conferences and symposiums.