TECHNOLOGY (created by Teresa Foulger)
Technology is the use of tools that enhance and support the teaching and learning process, including:
collaboration productivity, drill, research and investigation, synthesis of information, and dissemination.
Learning to integrate technology is a developmental process for teachers, whereby they progress through the following stages:
pre-integration, transition, development, expansion, and system-wide integration (Toledo, 2005, http://www.citejournal.org/vol5/iss2/currentpractice/article2.cfm).
Technology in the hands of students is especially significant component of 21st century classrooms, when the addition of technology provides information, resources, or processes not available otherwise (is value-added).
collaboration productivity, drill, research and investigation, synthesis of information, and dissemination.
Learning to integrate technology is a developmental process for teachers, whereby they progress through the following stages:
pre-integration, transition, development, expansion, and system-wide integration (Toledo, 2005, http://www.citejournal.org/vol5/iss2/currentpractice/article2.cfm).
Technology in the hands of students is especially significant component of 21st century classrooms, when the addition of technology provides information, resources, or processes not available otherwise (is value-added).
EXPLANATION:
In 2007 National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) were adopted wholeheartedly across the country. These consist of:
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
A year later, in 2008, National Educational Technology Standards were adopted that address teacher skills necessary to support the student standards. These consist of:
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers/nets-for-teachers-2008.aspx
Added Value: School districts have committed to varying degrees the adoption of technological systems including Internet connectivity, computers, and peripheral devices such as printers, cameras, scanners, etc. This effort is taxing to financial matters, as system-wide technology requires maintenance, updating, and training, as well as the addition of dedicated personnel. That said, the intent for using technology during teaching and learning is to provide an "added value" feature that would not be available otherwise.
The following are examples of value-added features (written by undergrads of TEL313):
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
A year later, in 2008, National Educational Technology Standards were adopted that address teacher skills necessary to support the student standards. These consist of:
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers/nets-for-teachers-2008.aspx
Added Value: School districts have committed to varying degrees the adoption of technological systems including Internet connectivity, computers, and peripheral devices such as printers, cameras, scanners, etc. This effort is taxing to financial matters, as system-wide technology requires maintenance, updating, and training, as well as the addition of dedicated personnel. That said, the intent for using technology during teaching and learning is to provide an "added value" feature that would not be available otherwise.
The following are examples of value-added features (written by undergrads of TEL313):
- Google Sites (similar to Weebly) for housing a PBL unit: The accessibility of Google Sites allows students to stay connected at all times. It also allows for flexibility for teaching style because you can teach in a traditional way and in a electronic way by providing all information online and in class (hybrid). It addresses the needs for students with diverse learning styles.
- Google Forms (surveys): Through working with Google Forms and Spreadsheets, educators can gain instant feedback from students on prior knowledge and opinions. Additionally, it can open communication between teachers and parents by surveying parents on a variety of matters.
- Google Docs: Google Docs creates a real time collaborative experience such as creating a PowerPoint, document, or spreadsheet. Students and teachers can collaboratively work together on the same project at the same time. This reduces meeting times and creates more flexibility. This form of technology is crucial because it can create a new classroom experience for students and teachers. It can even allow for collaboration with others outside the classroom, including in other countries.
- Blogs: Blogs enable maximum student participation, while ensuring an equal voice in the lesson. It also gives the students the ability to refresh the knowledge gained from the lesson and collaborate, discuss, and reach conclusions with their classmates. The teacher mediation of comments still allows students to drive the lesson without inappropriate restrictions.
- Contributions to Wikipedia: The wiki allowed us to contribute to a global database of information, which empowers users (students) with the ability to become key contributors on a topic that can be accessed by anyone in the world.
EXAMPLES:
See ideas that are aligned to NETS-S here:
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-for-students-2007-profiles.aspx
This is an example of a pbl unit housed online, so it can embed links to web sites, templates, video, etc.
https://sites.google.com/a/asu.edu/miss-mcgee-s-project/home
Restoring Ancient Ponds (high school):
http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-explorations-academy
Jason Project (elementary):
http://www.edutopia.org/jason-and-new-argonauts
Online Learning:
http://www.edutopia.org/stw-online-learning-overview-video
Other (select Technology Integration in pull-down menu):
http://www.edutopia.org/video
http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-for-students-2007-profiles.aspx
This is an example of a pbl unit housed online, so it can embed links to web sites, templates, video, etc.
https://sites.google.com/a/asu.edu/miss-mcgee-s-project/home
Restoring Ancient Ponds (high school):
http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-explorations-academy
Jason Project (elementary):
http://www.edutopia.org/jason-and-new-argonauts
Online Learning:
http://www.edutopia.org/stw-online-learning-overview-video
Other (select Technology Integration in pull-down menu):
http://www.edutopia.org/video
MODIFY YOUR UNIT:
Now add 1-2 technology tools to your unit. Be sure those tools add value.
JUSTIFICATION: Record in your PBL journal the following, under a header marked Technology:
What changes did you make in your unit to address this element of PBL?
What value did this change provide?
What perspective(s) were important in your decision to make these changes? (use 3S and 4C models)
Did you purposefully eliminate anything?
What value did this change provide?
What perspective(s) were important in your decision to make these changes? (use 3S and 4C models)
Did you purposefully eliminate anything?
