What is new technology? In education, chalk and slate were once considered radical new technology. Today, the list of new technologies and their uses change almost daily. For additional discussion on this topic and examples of how to use a variety of technologies for ILI, see Chapter 15, "Using Technology to Support Pedagogy," in: Grassian, Esther S. and Kaplowitz, Joan R. 2009. Information Literacy Instruction: Theory and Practice. 2d edition. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.
Note: See also the Google Search Options subpage.
Technology tools, including AI, can help students and researchers visualize data and develop products that support their research. Instructors can use some of these tools to develop lesson plans, increase engagement, and assess learning. Examples include:
5 Teacher-Tested AI Tools for Beginners, by Eric Curts, Edutopia (May 7, 2025)
Free Visualization Tools for Teachers, Micro Tools (2026)
Best AI Tools for Teachers: Your Favorite New Time-Saving Superpower, by Andy Kratochvil, AFT Share My Lesson (May 19, 2025)
Top 10 Best Free AI Tools for Students in 2026, Shakil Education Group, Bangladesh (March 24, 2026)
Data Visualization Tools, UC Berkeley (February 6, 2026)
Blended Instruction
Although a bit dated, the following items may be useful in considering use of "blended instruction" (part online and part in-person):
Grassian, Esther, et al. 2005. UCLA Information Literacy Program. Blended Instruction Course (BICo) Task Force Report.
Twigg, Carol A. 2003. "Improving Learning and Reducing Costs: New Models for Online Learning." Educause Review 43, no.1. [pdf]
Free Technology for Teachers, by Richard Byrne.
"QR Codes Rock the Library On Your Phone," by Meredith Farkas (slide show)
Check the comprehensive "Learning Objects" guide created by Lori Mestre (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library), with categorized links, including Quiz/Survey, Games, and Mashups and Miscellanea.
The tools below may also help learners achieve expected learning outcomes.
Create audience response polls/surveys - free site.
Create a variety of puzzles - free site.
X (formerly Twitter)
Allows text and video annotation of videos.
CAVEAT: All research tools have limitations, including licensed databases and free online tools like those illustrated below. Peter Jacso describes some of these problems in his November 1, 2009 Library Journal article, "Google Scholar's Ghost Authors."
For instance, he suggests doing a Google Scholar Advanced search by entering "login" in the Written By box. Asking students to do this kind of search can lead to a fruitful critical thinking discussion.