Integrating Technology into the Curriculum

Deann K. Stone

Alabama State Department of Education

Classroom Improvement Section

Learning to learn is to know how to navigate in a forest of facts, ideas and theories, a proliferation of constantly changing items of knowledge. Learning to learn is to know what to ignore but at the same time not rejecting innovation and research.

- Raymond QueneauFrench Author 1903 - 1976

Integrating Technology is to know how to navigate in a forest of facts, ideas and theories, a proliferation of constantly changing items of knowledge. Integrating Technology is to know what to ignore but at the same time not rejecting innovation and research.

How is Instruction Provided?� “Sage on the Stage”� Teacher-centered learning� Learning skills in isolation� Text-driven curriculum� Passive learners� Learning by rote

memorization� Computers in labs down the

hall

� “Guide on the Side”� Student-centered learning� Learning skills in context� Standards-driven

curriculum� Active learners� Promoting problem solving

and decision making� Computers as tools in the

classroom

How Do Students Learn?

� Exploring� Experimenting� Discovering� Organizing� Making Decisions� And expressing their growing

knowledge by building original, unique, valuable information products

Rules, roles and relationships change in a technology rich environment.

Changing Role of the Teacher

� Small groups� Individuals

Wanted: Teachers with Computer Skills

How Technology Changes Our World� Who needed to know how to read

after the printing press was invented?

� Who needed to know how to drive after Henry Ford invented the car?

� Who needed to know how to make a phone call after the invention of the telephone?

Technology Continues to Change our World� Who needs to know how to use a

computer for productivity and to access information?

Anyone who plans to learn, teach, work, play, govern, buy, sell, or serve in the

information society.

Integrating Technology

� Changes Dynamics of Time� Renews our joy for teaching

Integrating Technology� Enhances our teaching – by providing reinforcement� Improves student learning – by providing different avenues

for students to explore� Another tool – address different learning

styles

What is Technology Integration?� Using a computer to present and

combine– text, spreadsheets, database reports, graphics,

audio, video…– with links and tools that let the users navigate,

interact, create, communicate and construct their own knowledge in all subject areas.

� Students learn skills by completing real projects.

How do we enhance classroom teaching and learning activities with computers?

By integrating the use of computers into all aspects of the curriculum. For example:� Project-based learning and

technology in the classroom� Using word processing to enhance the

writing process

� Organizing, analyzing and reporting information with database software

� Collecting, calculating and reporting information with spreadsheets

� Organizing and reporting information with presentation software

� Internet use and curriculum integration

What is the first step to integrating technology into the classroom?

Know what you are using

What are the Components?

� Computers which are easily accessible to students (labs, classrooms, laptops)

� Connectivity (LAN, WAN)� Navigational tools to travel the web of

connected information� Application software for students to

gather, process and communicate their own ideas and information

� Technology Integration training for teachers

What equipment is necessary to get started using technology?

� Computer� Large screen TV� ATI or TV scan box� Software

What equipment would enhance technology integration?

� Remote mouse

� Scanner� CD Writer� Digital Camera

How do I begin the integration of technology?

Decide what you want to do with the technology

How Do I Begin?

� Take every opportunity to learn to integrate and use the tools you have available in all curriculum areas

� Isolated learning of computer skills for teachers or for students is counterproductive

How Do We Begin?

� Schools must provide the necessary infrastructure: connectivity, hardware, and software; technical support; professional development.

� Application software provides the tools students see in the workplace

What does technology integration look like in the classroom?

Teacher Indicators

� Technology utilization is evident in planning

� Curricular goals are attained through the inclusion of technology

� Computer activities show a natural application and logical connection and extension of the curriculum

� Logical classroom management processes are in place to facilitate “user friendly” climate for technology use.

� A variety of software including database, spreadsheet, and multimedia applications are utilized.

� Continuous learning, enthusiasm, and interest are exhibited.

� Supervision, monitoring and assistance to students while at the computers are provided.

� Learning objectives for computer activities are clear.

Classroom Indicators

� Room arrangement is conducive to group and center learning stations

� Student rotation assignments are posted.

� Posted student work indicates technology utilization

� The learning environment is student-centered, interactive, and includes collaborative, cooperative activities.

Student Indicators

� Students can explain the “what” and “why” of their work at the computer.

� Students collaborate and work in teams to problem solve or in pairs for individualized technology instructions

� Students are enthusiastic and motivated about technology.

� Students demonstrate inquiry and discovery learning.

� Students have basic computer skills appropriate for the selected learning activity.

� Students are focused on the station at which they are working.

� Students understand the classroom procedures for computer utilization.

How Can Teachers Use Classroom Computers?� Develop student research abilities� Engage students in interactive

reading and writing programs� Virtual geography explorations� Virtual science experiments

– Create charts, student lists and name tags

– Communicate with other professionals and subject experts via e-mail

– Make personalized certificates of achievement

Use the computer as an administrative tool

- Keep records, manipulate information, produce letters to parents

- Produce a class newsletter

Uses for Technology

Use computers for students to generate project presentations

- Group presentations using

Powerpoint software - Demonstrations - Research

Use the computer for classroom presentations

- Lectures - Demonstrate concepts - Live access to Internet

sites

Use the computer as a cooperative learning tool

- group story - edit group work - poll the class on a topic - group projects

Use the computer as a learning station

- remediation - writing station - skills practice - tutorial

Other Uses of Classroom Computers� Improve critical thinking skills� Promote problem solving� Allow students to work independently

at their own pace� Provide immediate feedback in a non-

threatening environment

Advantages of Using Technology� Brings your classroom to life!� Interactive� Increases interest in research� Provides new skills for students in

the technological age� Fast emerging as a basic skill as

important to life in the 21st century as reading

Developing Technology-Rich Lesson Plans� Address Academic Standards� Include student centered activities� Use various methods of assessment� Incorporate appropriate technology

Time Management

� Go through each lesson yourself ahead of time.

� Write out detailed, easy to understand directions for students.

� Test all technology ahead of time to make sure everything is working properly.

� For Internet lessons: bookmark all sites ahead of time to save a few minutes.

Time

� Use groups

� Post computer assignments

� Use a timer

Considerations

� Be aware of Murphy’s Law

� Prepare for more planning time

Technology Integration Website

http://trackstar.hprtec.org

in the blank labeled Track Number enter 45737

click on View in Frames