Contributed by EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, Faculty Development, and Learning

The ELI Discovery Tool: Guide to Blogging offers practical information about how blogging can be used in teaching and learning and walks users through the important considerations for implementation. It presents real-life examples and first-hand accounts of class blogging; advice on important planning questions, engaging stakeholders, faculty support, and assessment; and an annotated list of helpful resources.

1) What do we know about learning and cognition that should be applied to the online environment?
2) How can existing technologies be used in the design of effective teaching and learning experiences?
3) What are the next challenges higher education will face in moving from the transfer model of learning to the design of rich, Web-based learning environments?

This article introduces the NLII conceptual framework for looking at learning principles and how technology might be used in that context; explains the role of communities of practice such as MERLOT in refining and applying conceptual frameworks;discusses how NLII members Virginia Tech, University of Tennessee, the SUNY Learning Network, University of Arizona, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Southern California, University of Central Florida, Empire State (SUNY), University of British Columbia incorporate learning principles into teaching practice through learning design, faculty development and online support, technology selection and project planning and funding, and organizational restructuring. Also discussed is the need for linking learning sciences and technology research to everyday practice through faculty research and development and through resources such as LESTER.

A summary of NLII resources and activities on Learner-Centered Practices is given.