Education & Technology Integration ED205 - Computers in Education

What is Technology Integration? The combination of technology together with each subject-related area of the curriculum to enhance learning. Using technology to help meet the curriculum standards and learner outcomes of each lesson, unit, or activity.

Keys for Successful Integration Teachers must know how to use the technology. Technology is only a tool to enhance and support instructional strategies. Technology should not drive the curriculum. Teachers must use appropriate technologies at the appropriate times to enhance learning.

Computers in labs? Provides resources in a centralized location. Technology is easier to maintain. It is easier to connect to a schools network. Research shows that technology is more effective when it is integrated into the curriculum and placed in the classroom.

Computers in classrooms? If technology is readily available, teachers and students will use it more. Technology is needed at the time of instruction. When students are interested and ready to learn about a topic, but it isn’t necessarily the topic being taught at the moment, teachers have a “Teachable Moment.” So, you might be teaching about the scientific method when a student asks an unrelated question. You might decide that the question is better discussed later, but you might also decide that addressing the question is worthy of your time. That’s a teachable moment.

The Key To Integrating Technology? Identify the learning goals and standards. Identify the appropriate technology tool to accomplish your goals. Complete integration is complex and requires a great deal of planning. Technology encourages students to take a more active role in the learning process.

The teachers role is changing! “Facilitators of Learning” motivate students to want to learn and guides the students through this process. Rather than being the “sage on the stage” the teacher is more of “guide on the side.” This description gets at a learning theory called Constructivism. Research indicates that constructivism is a style of teaching that helps technology to become more effective as well. Assumptions: –Students can accomplish learning and the teachers role is to assist students in this process. –Learning is more than the mere storage of knowledge. –Learners must become problem solvers.

Barriers to Technology Integration Lack of funding Lack of teacher training Lack of administrative support Limited time for planning integration Placement of computer technology Resistance to change

Strategies for Teaching With Technology Put technology in the hands of trained teachers. Make technology easily accessible. Let teachers decide how to put it to use in their classrooms. It is important that “ALL” students have the opportunity to work with technology. The most important element is “Planning.”

Planning for Technology Must occur at all levels within the school district At the district level a “Technology Plan” must be in place: –Procedures for purchase of hardware, software, upgrades, and replacement of technology. –Procedures for initial and ongoing training of staff. At the building level a “Building Technology Plan” should be in place: –Procedures for lab usage –Procedures for staff technology planning time –Procedures for staff development

Planning in the Classroom Regardless of the number or computers or the configuration of the facility. Teachers should answer the following questions: –Do the computers have the same hardware, software, and network access? –Are the computers connected to the Internet? –Will students use the computers on a daily basis? –How much time will each student have on a computer? –Is it better to have students work in teams? –How are you going to observe students working on the Internet? –How will you evaluate student learning?

A case study-Dinosaurs Read a story to the class on Dinosaurs. Questions lead to a “teachable moment.” Used web connection to answer some questions immediately. The instructor had already planned for the use of technology. Created a “KWL” chart. A KWL chart is just a way to present a lesson to your students (see next screen).

KWL

The Example Project Had 5 computers - 26 students Divided students into groups of 2 or 3 The Assignment: –Find out what the name of their dinosaur meant and as many facts as they could. –Instead of a “traditional” report they were to create an electronic report using “HyperStudio.” HyperStudio is sort of like a kid friendly version of PowerPoint. There are screenshots on the next slide. Classroom Learning Centers were setup

The Learning Centers This is just one example of how learning centers might look in a future classroom: The Discovery Computer Center - CD ROMs The Internet Search Center - Connected to the Web The Modeling Center - Clay, paper, rocks, etc. Explorers Library Center - Books, journals, magazines The Scanning Center - One computer with scanner The Science Center - fossils, rocks, plastic dino bones, etc. The Hyperstudio Center - One computer dedicated to using Hyperstudio –All computers also had Hyperstudio installed.