Best Practices in Technology Integration

Team Target Professional Development Goals Overview of the best practices in the effective integration of technology to improve student achievement New strategies and tools to implement in the classroom Topics Overview of Effective Technology Integration The 21 st Century Classroom Technology to address Learning Styles

Conditions required for effective technology integration: 1. Changing teacher beliefs about teaching and learning 2. Sufficient and accessible equipment 3. Placement: classroom vs. labs 4. Long-term planning 5. Technical and instructional support 6. Technology integrated within the curricular framework

Pedagogical Philosophy & Technology Integration Technology reform is closely tied to teachers’ beliefs and pedagogical practices Research has shown positive outcomes on student achievement when technology is integrated into constructivist learning environments Authentic Pedagogy = instruction focused on active learning in real-world contexts Technology is “relevant” to our student. Our classrooms should be relevant as well.

Project-based Learning Student-centered learning Moves learners from novices to experts Encourages students to explore a variety of problems and to construct strategies for handling such problems Encourages students to negotiate and share solutions

PBL & Technology Technologies can: replicate vocational practices (i.e. work of scientists) reduce cognitive load through tools and scaffolding provide access to electronic databases provide access to expert knowledge provide tools for analyzing, manipulating, and presenting findings increase engagement and motivation

Effective Technology Integration Session #2: The 21 st Century Classroom

Why is it important to use technology for learning in the classroom?

BIG Ideas View technology as another tool/resource Focus on productivity/open-ended tools Be creative! It takes extra time to learn the skills… but in the process of learning the skills, students can apply knowledge.

How does effective technology integration change the entire context of learning?

Management Best Practices Have students use technology in small groups Encourage peer teaching 2 students per computer encourages collaboration, sharing and teamwork Establish a “Tech Team” of trouble-shooters Have back-up activities planned

Application Ideas Word Processing Editing skills – track changes Writing – collaborative writing Brainstorming, organizing – webs, concept maps Analyzing skills – charts, tables

Application Ideas Presentation Software (SMART Board, PPT etc.) Younger Students Identifying shapes and patterns as well as building motor skills – Image slideshows Older Students (Grades 3+) Sequencing, change over time – linear and non- linear timelines Summarizing & identifying main idea – slideshows Combining text, audio, and visuals -- slideshows

Application Ideas Publishing Software Younger Students Reflection & writing skills - Use the templates to create appreciation cards Older Students Research, writing, editing, & design skills - In groups, have students create a historical newspaper.

Application Ideas Mind Mapping Software Comparing & contrasting skills – use visuals, audio, and text to communicate Organizing ideas and information – concept mapping Outlining – transfer from web to outline form For many more application ideas visit http: //isbelementary.wikispaces.com/

Tips for getting Started Use open-ended tools Develop lessons the same way, look for new tools Collaborate with colleagues Start small Share, share, share

Effective Technology Integration Technology to Address Learning Styles

How do you currently foster multiple intelligences in your classroom? Which intelligences could you better represent in your classroom? Have your students ever conducted a MI assessment? Questions to Spark Thinking

MI & Technology Tools Verbal / linguistic Logical / mathematical Visual / spatial Word processing, blogs, Publisher, PowerPoint Spreadsheets, Graph Club, Zoombinis PowerPoint, KidPix, Kidspiration, Inspiration, word processing, virtual manipulatives, iMovie or Pinnacle (digital storytelling)

MI & Technology Musical / rhythmic Kinesthetic Intrapersonal Interpersonal Kidspiration, Thinkin’ Things, Garage Band Keyboarding *Better without tech Blogs, simulations, telecollaborative projects , discussion forums, IM, telecollaborative projects

MI & Technology Tools Naturalist Existential Virtual fieldtrips, live web casts, database application, visual mapping telecollaborative learning, simulations

MI Lesson Design Template 1. Identify Desired Outcomes 2. Define Acceptable Evidence Performance tasks / Projects Tools / Methods Intelligences To do… Quizzes / Tests/ Academic Prompts 3. Plan Learning Experiences & Instruction 4. Reflect on lesson design

Reflection… How do the technologies used accommodate the intelligences identified? How do the intelligences identified improve student mastery of the objectives? Are there other intelligences that could be included in this lesson?

How do you determine if a software application is worthy of use in your classroom? Which software program do you use that successfully fosters MI?

How to evaluate a Software Program DESIGN Is it interactive? Does the design provide for a variety of intelligences? Is there scaffolding to support students? Are there ways to extend the learning experience from the software to the classroom? Is there a built-in assessment feature?

How to evaluate a Skill-based Application CONTENT Do the software’s objectives go beyond the lower levels of Bloom’s taxonomy? Is the objective concerned with skill, drill, and recall; or are students challenged to transfer knowledge? Is the content multi-disciplinary? Real-world context? Does the content lend itself to the perspective of several different intelligences? Is it primarily a linear, logical application; or can visual and existential learners appreciate the content?

How to evaluate a Skill-based Application INTERFACE Are there visual, auditory, kinesthetic components to the software? Do the metaphors used to explain software functions address varied intelligences? Are there only icons and buttons, or are other familiar contexts used, such as storybooks, playgrounds, families? Is navigation throughout the software global and open ended rather than linear and skill based? Do students have choices?

21st Century Collaboration Redefining the learning process

How are you currently using the Internet for learning in the classroom?

What is 21st century collaborative learning? Collaborative, problem-based learning framed within a real-world context utilizing 21st century tools. Examples of these tools: (Blogs, wikis, Voip, Instant Messaging, Social Networks, RSS, Podcasts, skypecasts etc.)

Educational Value for Students Extends learning environment beyond geographic boundaries Expands the reach of student influence into the community Allows students to use technology as a tool to communicate, build knowledge, and develop products

Value for Teachers Effective application of curriculum defining the use of technology Makes student thinking visible Access to expanded resources Increased engagement of students

Qualitative Study of Focus Teachers who participated in global collaborative projects engaged in “authentic professional development” while also providing better learning experiences for their students.

Specific Findings Benefits for Teachers: Observing students as they go through the inquiry process Learning how to assist and guide students More aware of connections to other teachers and administrators More aware of others in their communities as valuable information sources More aware of the broad community of learners around the globe

Specific Findings Benefits for Students: Connecting with subject matter experts. New sources of knowledge. Increased engagement and motivation Peer teaching Increased communication skills Connection to real-world

Theoretical Framework Grounded in the cognitive and situated learning theories Fosters additional intelligences to accommodate a variety of learners

What does 21st Century Collaborative learning look like? Includes wide range of educational content Involves critical thinking skills Connects students with experts and other students Provides clear organization and scaffolds Where is it happening?…………..

Let’s look and an example…….

Questions? Thoughts? Ideas?