In this presentation I will share with you the importance of using and having technology available to our students and teachers. I will be focus on four important factors to consider when deciding if more of our districts budget should be focused on improving technologic needs.
The four main points I will discuss are how the use of technology creates life-long learners, increases student achievement, and improves student’s attitudes about learning and finally staff development.
“ because learning is a life-long process, technology is going to play a vital role in encouraging all stakeholders to be knowledgeable about the latest trends” Woodall-Harvey, Antionette. (2009 ). Integrating technology into the Classroom: How Does it Impact Student Achievement? . Jackson State University Learning Relevance: “Due to increasing global interaction within and between education and business, and the use of technology to foster that interaction, technological literacy is essential to preparing today’s youth to meet the demands of a global 21 st century society.” Palozzi, Vincent J. and Spradlin, Terry E. (2006). Educational Technology in Indiana: Is it Worth the Investment?. Bloomington, Indiana: Center for Evaluation and Education Policy
Teach/Future Leaders: “goal of become educated has always been to prepare students to live productive lives with society” Woodall-Harvey, Antionette. (2009 ). Integrating technology into the Classroom: How Does it Impact Student Achievement? . Jackson State University
“ one of the most important ways to enhance student achievement is through educational technology. The impact of technology proves most powerful when focused on specific, measurable educational objectives, such as improved literacy.” Woodall-Harvey, Antionette. (2009 ). Integrating technology into the Classroom: How Does it Impact Student Achievement? . Jackson State University Using technology in the classroom “improves students’ acquisition of basic math, reading, writing skills and content knowledge in specific subject areas, leading to higher scores on standardized tests. This goal often leads to the use of drill-and-practice programs, integrated learning systems (which provide online lessons and quizzes, adjusting the pace of lessons for each students), and software adjuncts to textbooks.” Kleinman, Glenn M. (2001). Myths and Realities About Technology in K-12 Schools. Education Development Center “ Broaden curriculum objectives, adding more problem solving, inquiry, project based learning, and collaborative work. This goal often leads to students using simulations, searching for information on the web, and preparing reports and presentations using word processors, data bases, computer graphic tools, and multimedia presentation software.” Kleinman, Glenn M. (2001). Myths and Realities About Technology in K-12 Schools. Education Development Center
“ Computers can be used in positive ways, such as to help make learning more engaging, better address the needs of individual students, provide access to a wealth of information, and encourage students to explore and create” Kleinman, Glenn M. (2001). Myths and Realities About Technology in K-12 Schools. Education Development Center “ It can enable students to work with greater autonomy, collaborate with peers and mentors, and gain access to more information related to their own interests, all of which engage their interest.” Kleinman, Glenn M. (2001). Myths and Realities About Technology in K-12 Schools. Education Development Center
Why should staff development time should be spent on making and teaching teachers to be more comfortable with technology in their classrooms? When educators use technology they feel they are able to do their job more effectively” Author Unknown. (2008). Technology in Schools: The Ongoing Challenge of Access, Adequacy and Equity . Washington, D.C: NEA Education Policy and Practice Department “ technology could streamline both educational processes and data management. For example, grading software could be used to assist teachers with basic assessments, and data management programs could make record keeping of student achievement outcomes more efficient.” Palozzi, Vincent J. and Spradlin, Terry E. (2006). Educational Technology in Indiana: Is it Worth the Investment?. Bloomington, Indiana: Center for Evaluation and Education Policy
“ Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT project) followed teachers over several years as they learned to use technology in their classrooms (with lots of computers, software, professional development, and support available) The researchers identified five stages of “instructional evolution” for using technology” Entry stage: Teachers experience both trepidation and excitement as they learn to master the new tools themselves and begin to plan how to use them in their classrooms. Teachers in this stage are often concerned about the time and effort required. The often wonder whether computers will ever be an effective learning tool in their classroom. Adoption stage: Teachers begin to blend technology into their classrooms and practices in this stage. They do not make any significant changes to their practices. Adaptation stage: At this stage technology becomes thoroughly integrated into traditional classroom practices. Word processors, databases, graphic programs, presentation tools and content specific software are used frequently. Teachers typically begin to see some real benefits, finding that their students learn more, produce better work and are more engaged in learning. Appropriation stage: Teachers understand technology and use it effortlessly in their own work and in the classroom. By now the teachers have difficulty imagining how they would function without computers. Invention stage: Teachers are ready to experiment in this stage with new instructional patterns and ways of relating to students and other teachers. By training and support teachers need as they advance through these levels they become more confident in their skills and will continue to advance in their learning as well as their ways of teaching their students.