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As with ICT more generally, positive impacts on student motivation depend on the ways in which the ICT is used. Improvements in students' attitudes in learning and changes in behaviour will inevitably be reliant on the capacity of teachers and students to use ICT as an effective pedagogical tool. Drawing clear conclusions on the effects of ICT from the range of research evidence and reports available can be problematic.There are a number of factors that limit effective comparisons, such as differences in sample sizes, methodologies and effects, and the extent and purpose of ICT use involved.However, ICT can help to motivate students in a number of ways.

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"Here's a powerful example of a poem-photo combination that can inspire unlimited possibilities for writing. In the poem "Skateboarding" by Massbay College student Rose Scherlis, colorful images swirl and converge until the world blurs and the skater's mind becomes receptive to new ideas. The swirling lines and shapes in the accompanying photo add to the effect:" Using digital images to inspire writing.

We all have had many years of experience in learning in face-to-face settings in both classrooms and seminar rooms. Although the face-to-face learning environments are often complex and unpredictable, we are very familiar with them and have developed high levels of skill in working in these environments. We cannot assume, however, that the skills, strategies, and techniques that we so effectively use in face-to-face learning environments will also work well in online learning.

"As part of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students need to "ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century." Many teachers have little to no formal training on how to teach about climate change. Along with the ever-changing research and the controversy that comes with it, some teachers inevitably shy away or even prevent students from digging deep into the content. Some suggest that teachers might be getting climate change all wrong. Since teachers can't rely on books to stay current with all the new research, digital resources are the only effective way to stay on top of such a dynamic field. Consider these practices when using technology to teach about climate change:" Sites include NASA Global Climate Change, Climate Kids for younger learners, Global Oneness Project, and Earth-Now to analyze realtime data.

"Transform your class presentation with video and images: A 5-minute makeover (video)" Well, it takes a little longer to find the images and video that liven it up, but the helpful templates inside of PowerPoint can be used to much better effect than you might believe.

A huge list of materials online related to listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and general study skills. Teachers need to review and select from sites to use them effectively in an academic program. Prepared by Christine Bauer-Ramazani for her Academic Skills courses.

"What strategy can double student learning gains? According to 250 empirical studies, the answer is formative assessment, defined by Bill Younglove as "the frequent, interactive checking of student progress and understanding in order to identify learning needs and adjust teaching appropriately." A great short article to make one aware of the nature and value of formative assessment. Unlike summative assessment, which evaluates student learning according to a benchmark, formative assessment monitors student understanding so that kids are always aware of their academic strengths and learning gaps. Meanwhile, teachers can improve the effectiveness of their instruction, re-teaching if necessary. "When the cook tastes the soup," writes Robert E. Stake, "that's formative; when the guests taste the soup, that's summative." Formative assessment can be administered as an exam. But if the assessment is not a traditional quiz, it falls within the category of alternative assessment."

Key findings: ICT use by pupils and teachers in the case study schools led to positive motivational\noutcomes, supporting a focus upon learning and the tackling of learning tasks.\n* Positive motivational outcomes were most frequently found when ICT was used to\nsupport engagement, research, writing and editing, and presentation of work. Where ICT\nuses supported internal cognitive aspects of learning, for example in the case of secondary\ndesign and technology, there were indicators that the motivation arising from the use of\nICT was linked to enhancements in some subject specific attainment.\n* More positive motivation resulted when ICT use was focused on both teaching and\nlearning, than when ICT was used to support teaching alone.\n* Boys and girls were both motivated by uses of ICT. There was evidence that motivation\nfrom ICT use positively affected the work patterns of boys so that they worked in similar\nways to the persistent pattern of girls.\n* Motivation appeared to be independent of ethnic background, but socio-economic\nbackground impacted on occasions in terms of limited access or out of school support.\n* There were indications that ICT impacted positively upon