Intentional Tech: Principles to Guide the Use of Educational Technology in College Teaching

Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

by Derek Bruff

Chalkboards and projectors are familiar tools for most college faculty, but when new technologies become available, instructors aren’t always sure how to integrate them into their teaching in meaningful ways. For faculty interested in supporting student learning, determining what’s possible and what’s useful can be challenging in the changing landscape of technology. Arguing that teaching and learning goals should drive instructors’ technology use, not the other way around, Intentional Tech explores seven research-based principles for matching technology to pedagogy. Through stories of instructors who creatively and effectively use educational technology, author Derek Bruff approaches technology not by asking “How to?” but by posing a more fundamental “Why?”

Genres: Teaching, Academic, Education, Nonfiction, Technology, Professional Development

226 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2019

Reviews

[Robyn Puffenbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is DENSE with information. I would not tackle it alone again, would love to do this with a pedagogy book club or department where we try things. Very rich with examples and tiny text per page.

[Michiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It was accessible and inspiring for my teaching practice. The principles Bruff outlined helped to organize my understanding. He also shares concrete examples for how one might enact these principles in our classrooms everyday. I have already recommended it to everyone I have run into since I started it.

[Amy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for those teaching in higher education. Ideas for how to move away from traditional powerpoint/lecture classes to ones that are on-going and interactive. The ideas help to increase classroom engagement and results!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though ostensibly about technology and various ways of using it in the classroom, this book is really just full of good advice for teachers who use or don't use technology in a variety of contexts. It is chock full of clear and excellent examples and talks through nearly all of the ways we might mindfully (er, intentionally) decide to use (or not) technology to facility activities, assignments, etc.

[Carolyn Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT about assessing the accessibility, functionality, and privacy of individual apps. Instead, this book identifies key functions that tech should serve in learning: connecting students with an audience, providing guided practice, etc. Every chapter has multiple examples of assignments and learning activities that use technology in exciting ways. Lots of active learning. The apps highlighted aren't anything fancy either.

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I led a work related book club around this book and learned so much in the process. Bruff gives so many great ideas grounded in research and connected to practice in higher education. I came away with practice advice and specific strategies to use right away in my courses. And some new tools that fit with some of my upcoming course goals. Great all-around read!

[George Woodbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of a “slow read” on the author’s blog - I had it on my shelf for a while and this was the jump start I needed.
Well written with lots of examples for incorporating technology into your class in a meaningful way.

[Spencer Wanlass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my work team. This book is packed with information and creative ideas on how to implement tech in the classroom.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas for energizing your teaching and student engagement. And the tech part isn't hard, even for those new to the realm.