The Importance of Implementing Technology Into Instruction Professional Development Workshop Presented by: Ryan Camire Shawyna Minter Juanica Reynolds Where: Computer Lab Rm.112 When: 1:30pm-2:45 pm Date: April 13, 2004

Why Are We Here? Goal: The goal of this workshop is to discuss and demonstrate the importance of implementing technology into instructional planning. Objective I: Discuss the benefits of technology. Objective II: Provide hands-on application using educational software.

Objective I: The Benefits of Technology

Six Benefits of Technology. 1)It makes students more competitive in the workplace. 2)It is a great teaching tool. 3)It enhances communication and collaboration. 4)It erases barriers of distance and geography. 5)It allows teachers access to help they might need. 6)It can save schools time and money, helping them to run more efficiently.

1. Technology Makes Students More Competitive in the Workplace  Since the year 2000, more than half of all jobs in the nation requires some level of skill in computer and network use.  In today's economy, employees need people who can work collaboratively to solve problems, workers who are flexible, innovative, and self-directed.

2. Technology Is a Great Teaching Tool  Teachers can engage students in explorations and problem-solving activities that are meaningful to students via the internet or software applications.  Technology can contribute to active learning by fostering independent learning, higher comprehension, and increase motivation.

3. Technology Enhances Communication and Collaboration  The online network links young people around the world through or World Wide Web connections.  Kids can join in conversations with other kids, contribute to student- generated research projects, or compare their academic abilities with other young scholars.  Technology can also support informal conversations that can enhance students' understanding of others through discussion groups and online bulletin boards.

4. Technology Erases Barriers of Distance and Geography  The Internet puts student’s in touch with the world. They can take a virtual trip down the Nile, dissect cats and reenact prehistoric life.  Technology increases the amount of academic opportunities and has few barriers. Students can access thousands of museums, libraries, discovery centers, aquaria, and other educational organizations at a touch of a button regardless of economic differences.

5. Technology Allows Teachers Access to Help They Might Need  Educators can use the Internet as a source for professional enrichment and a way to connect with other educators.  Teachers can participate in electronic discussion groups where they can get quick answers to technology- related questions or discuss lesson plans and instructional issues with other teachers.

6. Technology Can Save Schools Time and Money, Helping Them to Run More Efficiently  Schools can save money and resources through electronic: –enrollment, –attendance-taking –grade-reporting –ordering and other record-keeping procedures

Objective II: Hands-on Application Using Educational Software.

Technology Hands On Break – Out Session Using the internet, link on to the following web sites for practice – – –

Conclusion There are many reasons to implement technology into instruction. These include:  Competitiveness  Teaching tool  Communication enhancement  Barrier breaker  Teacher resources  Save schools time and money