Book review of Minds Online: Teaching effectively with technology

Abstract

Reviews the book, Minds Online:Teaching effectively with technology by Michelle D. Miller (see record 2014-44246-000). This book provides specific instructional strategies and resources to enhance cognitive processes in an online learning environment. Miller identifies areas of cognition that college instructors can target using technology in online courses. Most importantly, why certain uses of technology would be most effective and which approaches might best promote retention of course materials are described. This book identifies several common misconceptions about technology and their impact on teaching. For instance, there is little evidence to support the claim that today's college students are digital natives. This illustrates a need for instructors to incorporate technical guidance in online learning. Each of the chapters provides design strategies, using specific tools common to an online learning environment. For example, instructors can use online quizzing tools to determine what students already know. They can also preface new knowledge with access to earlier course topics or other experiences students are familiar: using links to web sites, audio podcasts, or videos. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)