Internet Learning Volume 5, Number 1, Fall 2016/Winter 2017 | Page 68

Book Review
Internet Learning Volume 5 Number 1 - Fall 2016/Winter 2017
A Review of “Minds Online:
Teaching Effectively with Technology”
Amanda Butler, Bartow County, Georgia
Miller, M. D. (2016). Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Abstract
Distance educators are increasingly in demand, as online programs
and degrees become more readily available. Minds Online is a
straightforward must-read for anyone who teaches in higher education,
especially, though certainly not limited to, those teaching online.
Established upon the cognitive psychology in understanding how
learners assimilate knowledge, this book serves as a guide to understanding
how to improve as an innovative, effective educator through
technology usage, so that students are maximally engaged and reaping
the benefits of the course, whether self-paced or face to face.
Keywords: teaching with technology, online learning, multimedia,
digital learners, cognitive psychology
As the demand for online offerings
continues to increase
and prompt transformation in
academia, there is a growing need for
effective online educators. Miller’s targeted
audience focus is online instructors;
however, face-to-face and hybrid
instructors should benefit as well, since
technology is a major component in
live classrooms. Miller’s audience may
include both seasoned and new instructors
in higher education.
Chapter One
Miller’s introduction states that the
book, “is about how cognitive science
can help us shape and refine the ways
in which we use technology to promote
learning” (p. 1), however, it really explains
and offers so much more information
to its readers. The first chapter,
Is Online Learning Here to Stay?, begins
by clarifying why the demand for online
learning has increased. Unfortunately,
none of this is new information; yet,
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