Question: 3.How can technology increase the effectiveness of group learning in the classroom? 

Answer: Interactive whiteboards e.g Smartboard provide a large screen where students can move items, annotate, discuss video clips - the size and interactivity promotes discussion and questioning.  You can also use handheld devices and do learning in small groups 'on the go' - check out Futurelab mediascape as an example.  Again it adds additional material which provides points for discussion.  Another good tool is Turning point - it can save lots of time as you get instant feedback on answers so the teacher can tell how the group is getting on or how they feel about their work - it's also fun.  Many schools use laptops - can be an individual use, but also you can get students to collaborate e.g. on research or making video clips to illustrate their learning.  The most important point, no matter what tool you use, is that you consider how the students will use it and how the technology will enhance their learning - will it encourage them to research in more depth or to discuss their work in more detail, or to explore it in a 3D rather than flat dimension.
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