Technology, Digital Media, and Curriculum Integration Chapter 6

What is curriculum? What is taught. The knowledge, skills, and performance standards students are expected to acquire in particular grade levels. The curriculum is often mandated by the state or local levels. Teachers must understand the curriculum and be empowered to adapt it to meet the instructional needs of students.

Alabama Course of Study Content Standards (Curriculum Standards) Bullets (Benchmarks) Examples

Technology Integration The combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software, together with each subject related area of curriculum to enhance learning. Using technology to help meet the curriculum standards and learner objectives for each lesson, unit, or activity. This is not an easy task.

Technology can’t enhance learning unless teachers know how to use and integrate technology into curriculum specific areas. Technology is a tool to enhance or support instructional strategies. It is not a substitute.

Educators must: Integrate technology throughout classroom experiences, activities, and projects. Use technology to teach curriculum specific content while establishing connections between those subjects and the real world. Not let technology drive the curriculum, the curriculum should drive the technology. Use technology to enhance learning at the appropriate times and to teach the standards.

Computer labs or Media Centers vs. Classroom Integration A classroom or media center with a large number of computers Students may work individually or collaboratively on projects Time can be scheduled by teachers Cost and location are beneficial to operation and maintenance Having the technology in the classroom puts at the point of instruction Students may work individually or collaboratively Ready for use at any time When readily available will be used more Provides for teachable moments

Integrating Technology into the Curriculum Mr. Balado’s Class Technology can help alleviate some of the problems of today’s schools Has the potential to increase student motivation and attendance Can address different learning styles and reach diverse learners

Keys to Successful Technology Integration Identify what you are trying to accomplish in the curriculum Consider what the standards and related learning objectives are Identify an appropriate technology tool that will help you accomplish your instructional goals. Realize that it takes a great deal of planning

Learning Styles You will have a diverse population of learners that must be instructed using various methods Learning style refers to how individuals learn, including how they prefer to receive, process, and retain information. Some learn better working alone while others learn better in a group setting. Many different learning styles exist and many learn using a combination of learning styles The use of technology, such as digital media tools and the Web, can help address learning styles and needs of today’s digital generation. They are encouraged to take a more active role in the learning process

Changing Instructional Strategies The teacher’s role must change from “sage on the stage” to “ guide on the side” Teachers must assume that students can create their own learning and that their role is to assist students in this process Teachers must assume that academic work extends beyond the mere storage of information Students must be able to assimilate information and become problem solvers

Welliver’s Instructional Transformation Model Familiarization – becoming aware of technology and its potential uses Utilization – using technology, however minor problems causes discontinuing use Integration – see technology as essential for the success of the educational process and teachers constantly think of ways to use technology Reorientation – rethink the educational goals of the classroom with the use of technology Revolution – the classroom is completely integrated with technology in all subjects. Technology is seamlessly woven into the teaching and learning processs.

Barriers to Technology Integration Lack of training Security constraints that impede instructional strategies Lack of administrative support Limited time for planning Difficult to access (location) Budget constraints Lack of high-speed school networks Resistance to change

Technology Integration and the Learning Process Research shows that using technology in the classroom: Motivates students Encourages problem solving Creates new avenues to demonstrate creativity Can capture and hold attention

Interactive technologies engage students and allow them to determine the flow of information, review concepts, practice skills, do in-depth research, and more. Examples: software applications, digital media tools, reference guides, tutorials, animations, simulations, and the Web. **When used properly, technology is extremely beneficial in the learning process.

The Learning Process For learning to take place the learner must be involved in the learning process. Authentic learning Participatory learning (secondary learning) Anchored instruction Problem-based learning

Authentic Learning Instructional activities that associate the concept being taught with a real life experience or event. Students must be involved in the process of gathering, analyzing and using information to make informed decisions that relate to real life. Example: planning a party - Math

Participatory Learning (Secondary Learning) Occurs when students become engaged in inquiring, investigating, reflecting, solving problems, and formulating and answering questions. Students also discuss, brainstorm, explain, and debate issues with each other and with the teacher. Makes learning more relevant by promoting the retention of information, motivating students to extend their learning, and giving students a sense of ownership of the information they are presenting. Beneficial when teaching a wide variety of learning styles.

Anchored Instruction Provides a knowledge base on which students can build. Instruction, learning, and teaching activities are based around an anchor that provides a scenario or problem enhanced with curriculum materials Allows exploration by the learner.

Problem-based Instruction Students use background information to formulate the solution to a problem. This background knowledge helps students understand complex problems or concepts. This type of instruction allows for discovery learning to take place. When students discover and explore meaningful concepts on their own, they are more likely to understand and retain information. Discovery learning helps students become critical thinkers.

Technology and the Learning Process Technology provides tools to support various types of instruction and learning. These tools allow students to see and experience concepts differently. This allows students to build cognitive scaffolds – mental bridge for building an understanding of complicated concepts. Allows instruction to be presented in a variety of representations – videos, sounds, colors, pictures, simulations, and animations.

Technology and the Learning Process Technology helps promote participatory learning and create authentic learning experiences. Provides opportunities for anchored instruction. Can create numerous opportunities for discovery learning. The World Wide Web has been called the Educational Equalizer – gives students of all backgrounds, socioeconomic levels, learning styles, geographic locations, academic levels, and learning abilities access to the same information.

Technology and the Learning Process Cooperative Learning – a method of instruction in which students work collaboratively in groups to achieve standards and related learning objectives. Cooperative Classroom Activities – student-centered, with the teacher serving as a facilitator and the student as an information seeker. Higher-order-thinking skills – ability to solve problems, engage in critical thinking, and interpret and solve complex issues. Properly integrated technology offers limitless possibilities for instruction and learning.

Strategies for Integrating Technology into Teaching Teachers must be properly trained Technology must be easily accessible Must be used at the point of instruction Every student must have the opportunity to work with technology Continuous planning at all levels (district, school and classroom level) Each level must plan systematically so that technology is integrated effectively and seamlessly into all facets of the education.

Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom You must plan the appropriate technology to achieve the desired learner outcome. You must decide how you will teach the curriculum, what areas you need to cover for content, and where technology can be used to meet the curriculum standards and related learning objectives. You must prepare the classroom environment for the use of appropriate technology. You must consider how many (much) and what type of technology you have available for use.

Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom In a one-computer classroom you must plan in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. In this case the computer will be used to produce tools to help with instruction. The computer can be set up as a center or activity. Would be used mainly for research, presentations, and Web-based projects.

Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom The two-computer classroom offers a few more uses. A class with more than two computers offers even more possibilities. A computer lab or media center offers use of computers for each student individually at the same time.

Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom You must decide what hardware, software and network access each computer will have. Will all computers have access to the internet? You must plan for time allotted for each student/computer. Will they be used for group or individual work? How will you observe and evaluate student learning? Is it better to have students work together on projects? Will students rotate on a daily basis through a technology center or activity?

Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom A wireless mobile lab has advantages as well. Brings technology to the point of instruction. Allows individual students access to the technology. Expands instructional opportunities for teachers.

Planning Lessons With Technology Consider the varying skills and knowledge levels of students and the various skills and knowledge levels required for students to start and complete the lesson successfully. A skill assessment survey will help in determining if students possess the skills and knowledge required. KWL (KWHL) –an instructional planning chart to help teachers assess students’ understanding of curriculum standards and related objectives.

The ASSURE Model A well-known guide for developing instructional lessons. Can be used to plan for technology integration and instruction.

Instructional Models – The Assure Model Analyze the Learner Who are the learners? What are their skill levels? What are their learning styles? State Objectives What do you want the learners to gain knowledge of? What are the specific learner outcomes? Select Methods, Media, and Materials What methods of instruction will you use? Which media are appropriate? Which materials will you need? Utilize Methods, Media, and Materials How will you use the methods and media? How will you use the materials? What is your instructional strategy? Require Learner Participation What will the learners be required to do? Will the learner engage in participatory or passive learning? Evaluate and Revise Did the lesson meet the objectives? How will you evaluate content and technologies used? How will you revise and improve?

First Steps Gather information about the technology available to you. Consult with: the principal, media specialist, curriculum specialist (coach), technology committee members, technology specialist, other teachers. Seek information about available technology training. Gather information about other forms of technology available. (mobile labs, classroom response systems, etc…)