Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Why Technology Integrating technology provides – An opportunity to differentiate instruction – Help for teachers to create a dynamic learning environment – Students with a desire to become lifelong learners – A tool to increase student learning and understanding – Motivation for student learning – Encouragement for collaboration – Support for the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Why technology? Benefits all students but is especially effective with at-risk and special needs students. Quote from the book: A superintendent from a neighboring school district was visiting a school with one to one laptop computer access. He ask a student, “So, how is this really making a difference for you?” The young man, Casey, looked at the superintendent and replied, “Sir, I’m special ed, and I’ve been special ed all my life. But with this thing here,” he said, pointing to his laptop computer, “with this, I am just as smart as the next kid.

Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works The book discusses nine instructional strategies that work and the ways in which technology can support and integrate these strategies. It is not about the technology itself but about changing teacher practice, motivating our students, and creating learning experiences that will be applicable to their world and future.

Instructional Strategies that Affect Student Achievement Identifying similarities and differences Summarizing and note taking Reinforcing effort and providing recognition Homework and practice Nonlinguistic representation Cooperative learning Setting objectives and providing feedback Generating and testing hypotheses Cues, questions, and advance organizers

Integrating Technology in the Classroom Research shows these instructional strategies causes great gains in student achievement. Average gains of 34 percentile points. Pairing technology and effective instructional strategies can move a classroom from good to great!

Our PD Plan Read the book. At each LTM, we will have a brief discussion of the book. Discuss/present a 30 minute training about technology ideas for each instructional strategy for principal/AP/teacher coaches/selected teachers to share with your teachers. Ask teachers to select ideas to integrate technology in the classroom Model: 1 to 2

Integrating Technology in the Classroom ?