D294 Learning Technology COMPLETE NEW COURSE STUDY GUIDE 2025 Western
Governors University
Learning Technology
-294
Section 1: Analyzing the trends and impacts of emerging
Technologies
, Lesson 1.1: Emerging Learning Technologies
Learning technology
is an umbrella term that describes communication, information and technological tools used to enhance
learning, teaching and assessment. Learning technology includes the range of digital tools and media
used for teaching and learning. Any learning technology should help students increase their self-
responsibility, act as an extension of their learning and empower students to take part in higher order
learning to understand how knowledge is used beyond the classroom.
Key categories of learning technology tools include:
● Tutorials- teach new concepts in a structured format
● Simulations- model an experiment or scenario
● Productivity tools- could include word processors and spreadsheets
● Communication tools—such as email
Key Technologies and Practices
Panelists were asked to describe the key technologies and practices they believe will have a impact on
the future of post secondary teaching/learning, with a focus on those that are new or for which there
appear to be substantial new developments. These are the top six:
● AI-Enabled Applications for Predictive, Personal Learning
● Generative AI
● Blurring the Boundaries between Learning Modalities
● HyFlex (i.e., students enrolled in a course can participate on
site, synchronously online, or asynchronously online as
preferred)
● Microcredentials
● Supporting Students’ Sense of Belonging and
Connectedness
, Characteristics of Outdated Learning Technologies
There are four ways to tell if a learning technology is outdated:
● A technology is outdated if it can no longer be updated, repaired, or otherwise
supported. (The Apple I computers from 1978-197 present a good example because the
hardware software, and processors are obsolete.)
● A technology may still function. but it may not connect to a learning environment
because it cannot communicate via newe software or hardware interfaces. (Flip phones are
not smartphones, students with a flip phone can call to say a paper will be late but cannot
use an application on the phone to submit the paper.)
● When a technology can still work, but is no longer desired as a teaching technology.
(In K-12 classrooms, the blackboard is a good example. The erasers! the dust!)
● When a technology still works but an idea on how to use it has been tried and largely
abandoned. (In higher education, collaborative websites e.g. wikis are an example of a
tool that still works but is not used as a particular kind of learning technology.)
Governors University
Learning Technology
-294
Section 1: Analyzing the trends and impacts of emerging
Technologies
, Lesson 1.1: Emerging Learning Technologies
Learning technology
is an umbrella term that describes communication, information and technological tools used to enhance
learning, teaching and assessment. Learning technology includes the range of digital tools and media
used for teaching and learning. Any learning technology should help students increase their self-
responsibility, act as an extension of their learning and empower students to take part in higher order
learning to understand how knowledge is used beyond the classroom.
Key categories of learning technology tools include:
● Tutorials- teach new concepts in a structured format
● Simulations- model an experiment or scenario
● Productivity tools- could include word processors and spreadsheets
● Communication tools—such as email
Key Technologies and Practices
Panelists were asked to describe the key technologies and practices they believe will have a impact on
the future of post secondary teaching/learning, with a focus on those that are new or for which there
appear to be substantial new developments. These are the top six:
● AI-Enabled Applications for Predictive, Personal Learning
● Generative AI
● Blurring the Boundaries between Learning Modalities
● HyFlex (i.e., students enrolled in a course can participate on
site, synchronously online, or asynchronously online as
preferred)
● Microcredentials
● Supporting Students’ Sense of Belonging and
Connectedness
, Characteristics of Outdated Learning Technologies
There are four ways to tell if a learning technology is outdated:
● A technology is outdated if it can no longer be updated, repaired, or otherwise
supported. (The Apple I computers from 1978-197 present a good example because the
hardware software, and processors are obsolete.)
● A technology may still function. but it may not connect to a learning environment
because it cannot communicate via newe software or hardware interfaces. (Flip phones are
not smartphones, students with a flip phone can call to say a paper will be late but cannot
use an application on the phone to submit the paper.)
● When a technology can still work, but is no longer desired as a teaching technology.
(In K-12 classrooms, the blackboard is a good example. The erasers! the dust!)
● When a technology still works but an idea on how to use it has been tried and largely
abandoned. (In higher education, collaborative websites e.g. wikis are an example of a
tool that still works but is not used as a particular kind of learning technology.)
