DERN

The Digital Education Research Network (DERN) is a network of researchers looking for research evidence of good teaching and learning using technologies. I saw one of its prinicpal researchers, Gerry White, present in Perth last year and enjoyed his insights into the current trends and future directions for technology in the classroom. His blog on the DERN site looks like it will be worth following with the latest post looking at some research into commonly held beliefs about technology which are proven to be myths, at least in the US.

The 5 myths in summary are:

1. New teachers and/or those with greater access to technology are more likely to use it in the classroom
   
2. Only high achieving students benefit from using technology
   
3. As students are already comfortable using technology, it is not important whether teachers do or not
   
4. Teachers and adminstrators have shared understandings of 21st century skills
   
5. Graduates feel well prepared to integrate technology effectively
   

Go here for the full report