I think it is important to have a well detailed plan when it comes to integrating technology into the curriculum. Whenever you try something new in the classroom it is essential that schools make sure that it would benefit the students’ learning. To effectively plan technology integration in schools I think you first have to determine exactly what the technology is need for. You do not just want to buy different technologies and when they arrive you are wondering what to do with these new technologies. There should be some goals of what you want these technologies to accomplish within the curriculum. Once specific goals have been made, school administers and teachers can continue in the planning of integrating technology into the curriculum.
Properly used of technology in the classroom can result in successful technology-based learning environments that support higher-order thinking. This can also bring about enhancing student motivation in the classroom. To achieve some of these goals schools need to ensure that they are investing in the right technologies. I think that it is important for school administers and teachers to carefully research different technologies uses in the classroom to make sure that the technology will contribute to a positive learning environment.
LeBaron. J. (2001). Curriculum planning for technology-rich instruction. In LeBaron, J.F.
& Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Jarvela, S. (2001). Technology and learning: Getting the story out. In LeBaron, J.F. &
Collier. (eds). Technology in its place: Successful technology infusion in school. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
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4 comments:
I agree that some schools tend to jump into technology integration too quickly. Sometimes they buy into the hype and merely buy something just to have it. Often, this leads to hardware and software gathering dust in a closet. I remember when I was in 8th grade our teachers were so excited to have computers in the room but we never used them. If we use technology appropriately for the needs of students in each subject area, then we will be better off as a school.
It is a good idea to plan before we begin a new strategy - ensuring that we are meeting our set goals, objectives, and overall mission. If we do not know what we are trying to do or where we want to end up it is really difficult to get there.
Schools should invest in the proper technologies. Proper technologies for the classroom are those technologies that meet our instructional goals and objectives. Without these being met, technology tools will not be beneficial.
I like how you wrote that whenever we try something new in the classroom, it is essential that schools make sure that it benefits student learning. A lot of schools incorporate technology at little more than a superficial level. Technology should add to the overall lesson, not just function as "eye candy".
Another potential problem is buying without training how to use the technology. Kevin alluded to this in his post with his 8th grade computers, and we still see this today. At my school we keep adding great technology that only a handful of people really know how to use. I fault the teachers most of the time, because we do attend "training" however a majority tune it out or just don't pursue since it is viewed as more work.
You made a very good point about how schools tend to jump into purchasing technology. Even though it may be a good program it may not be beneficial to your particular group of students. Before thousands of dollars are spent on these programs planning is essential!
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