Book Review
“Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success” by A. W. (Tony) Bates and G. Poole
Review by Dr. Michael G. MacDonald, Assistant Professor of Education, Oakland University.

In Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success (2003), Tony Bates and Gary Poole emphasize that an understanding of both learning and the nature of technology is essential to the use of technology for teaching. That is, learner needs and subject matter considerations—not technology—should drive instructional decisions. In this regard, they pose the question “If technology is the answer, what is the question?” (p. xiii).

The book examines the influence of social and technological developments on learning and teaching in higher education. The emphasis is on a fundamental overview of how new forms of educational technology influence this process rather than on providing a “how to” guide to technology implementation. They intend for this book to be of value to both new and experienced teachers in higher education, as well as those involved in the planning and managing of teaching.

The book is divided into three parts.  Part I consists of four chapters on the fundamentals of educational technology, offering educators a framework for selecting and using technology that is based on considerations such as challenges of technology, teaching and learning theory, and the role of media and technology in education.

The majority of the book is comprised of Part II, which covers Course Design, Development and Delivery in five chapters. These chapters provide a practical guide for using technology to enhance classroom teaching through different course development models that cover both systems-based and constructivist approaches to learning. Lastly, a comprehensive range of practical suggestions for course development and implementation activities are reviewed. For example, in chapters eight and nine, the authors cover topics such as course maintenance, online etiquette, participant interaction, and cultural considerations in course design.

Lastly, Part III provides an overview of recent trends in technology development and the associated implications for instructional design and implementation. The emphasis in the concluding chapter is to invite the reader to reflect on the question “What should change and what should stay the same when we introduce more technology into our teaching?” (p.286).

A website for the book provides on-going updates and links to references in the book and other resources for effectively teaching with technology in higher education. This book is an excellent resource that provides both teachers and administrators a framework within which to consider the question “in what contexts and for what purpose is technology appropriate for teaching and learning?” (p.5).

Title:  Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education:  Foundations for Success
Author:  A. W. Bates & Gary Poole
Price:  $40.00 (hardcover)
Publisher:  Jossey-Bass
Year:  2003
Pages:  336

ISBN:  0-78796-034-9