Best practices and trends for technology integration
- 1. BEST PRACTICES ANDTRENDS FOR TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION ERICA PITRACK CUR 545
- 2. Creating Change in Organization ■ Change starts from the leader (administration team) of an organization team ■ Teachers will look up to their leaders during a transformation especially when it has to do with curriculum.Teachers will look to them for guidance, support, as well as any help that may be needed with a new product.
- 3. Increasing information to families ■ Getting parents on board can be somewhat challenging especially when introducing a new curriculum to a child's program. ■ When doing this it is best to have results showing that the new programming is a good decision to their child’s education and have evidence supporting why.
- 4. Examples on recognizing true technology integration ■ This has been broken down into four phases: 1.Entry 2. Adoption 3. Adaption 4. Invention Just like any process this should be a smooth transition as you go through the phases
- 5. First Stage ■ Substitution At this stage of technology integration, technology acts merely as a replacement for previous by-hand methods of instruction or organization.This means that while technology is being used, it does not actually functionally change the method of teaching (Teachhubcom, 2017). Example:Word processing is a great example of substitution, for while it replaces the old pen-and-paper method of writing down information, it does little to fundamentally change the manner of recording information with words. Another example includes the use of a projector in the classroom for presentations.With this, instead of using the blackboard for illustrations and ideas, that can be transmitted with a savable electronic tool (Teachhubcom, 2017).
- 6. Second Stage ■ Augmentation Augmentation takes the advantages of technology a little further; instead of merely substituting a traditional tool for an electronic one, it also includes the functional changes those substitutions can provide (Teachhubcom, 2017). Example:The above example mentions word processing as a type of substitution. However, it becomes augmentation when the tools unique to the word processing program – like copy and paste, search, spellcheck, and graphics – are incorporated into the use of the application. Unlike traditional paper and pencil, the technology offers these additional tools to augment the recording and disseminating of information. Similarly, a presentation with a projector allows for sounds, graphics, animation, and other features that augment traditional presenting (Teachhubcom, 2017).
- 7. Third Stage ■ Modification Now instead of merely adding augmented features to instruction, modification represents the level at which teaching tasks are partially or entirely redesigned based on technological tools (Teachhubcom, 2017). Example:The “flipped classroom” – where teachers have students watch instructional videos at home and application of that instruction occurs during class – becomes available with tools likeYoutube.com and blogs.While the lecture and discussion components of teaching remain the basis of instruction, the technological mediums offer brand new opportunities for how those methods are integrated (Teachhubcom, 2017).
- 8. Forth Stage ■ Redefinition Beyond modifying existent teaching methods, technology offers the opportunity to completely create brand new methods of instruction.These tasks may have been completely inconceivable prior to technological integration (Teachhubcom, 2017). Example: A teacher may create a class project that requires connecting with other classrooms around the globe via video conferencing and social media.The classes may be required to work together to find a solution to a common problem, utilizing one another and web-based resources for gathering information (Teachhubcom, 2017).
- 9. How can we provide outreach to the community using technology resources ■ Assessments: hearing what kind of technology the public would like (poll can work) ■ Mobile phones: they are able to launch mobile campaigns, by being mobile they are able to reach a large group at one time. Mass text messaging (large group at one time) web based components, and voice mails (large groups at one time)
- 10. Funding opportunities available to schools and school districts ■ Technologies such as computers, coupled with appropriate software and applications, can support instructors in building a learning environment that develops necessary skills, such as communication, collaboration and the ability to adequately research and study. Students who are able to work in technology-rich environments have access to a wide variety of resources and a great deal of learning opportunities.The benefits of technology in the classroom include: ■ Simple Research - Fast accessibility to vast amounts of information found online. Research becomes simpler and enjoyable. ■ Motivation - Motivation builds when students are interested in learning, accomplished by the implementation of new, exciting technologies. Learning can be fun, and the student's motivation is reflected. ■ Communication - Communication skills are polished through global communication.Technology, such as email, chat rooms and discussion forums, allow students to reach out to peers, whether from their own class or from classrooms halfway around the world. ■ BetterTesting - Technology allows for better assessment, whether through easier standardized testing methods or through immediate in-class answer-systems, such as response clickers.Teachers can quickly see which students require more assistance, and programs can be tailored to the individual needs of the students based on the responses received. (Purdueedu, 2014).
- 11. Funding Cont.. When a school district board or other educational governing body begins its planning for school funding, it is important to consider the following: ■ The undertaking of technologically equipping a school is pricey; school boards and administration must often incorporate several means of funding to cover all expenses. ■ Technology in the classrooms is not a one-time expense, but rather a financial investment that will require purchases and updates in the future.Technology will continue to advance, and the importance of advancing with it can be seen in the progress of the students. ■ Thorough staff training should be employed following the installation of new technologies. Innovating classroom tools are ineffective if the educators lack a full comprehension of the capabilities and use of each new technology (Purdueedu, 2014).
- 12. Funding Cont.. The best plan often involves a combination of several funding means, including: ■ Bonds - Bond initiatives have the ability to carry a large amount of funds for applying technology in large-scale projects, such as implementing a networked computer system into a school. However, projects of this scale require system maintenance and regular updates.A bond is a one-time funding option that may not fully support the ongoing expense of keeping up more advanced technological systems. ■ Fundraising - Recruiting the assistance of a school's community is a viable way to build funds towards technology, and fundraising is a faster and less complicated method for doing so. Communities thrive when the youth have accessible opportunities for advancement, and a thorough explanation of the benefits of technology can lend a hand to convincing citizens of the community to donate their money. ■ GovernmentGrants – One notable attribute of grants is that they can often be matched by local contribution, specifically in the instance of ongoing expenses. For this reason, if applying for a grant towards technology within a school system, it is crucial to indicate when local funds are available for matching. Many grants are available for educational technology purpose, both at the state and federal level. ■ Equipment donations –Many businesses make a habit of donating outdated or older model equipment when new technologies are purchased. Even technology that is only a few years old will be replaced by larger corporations, and this provides an excellent opportunity for schools. However, schools should be cautious of accepting old equipment that requires significant maintenance to become operational. While outdated technology may be better than none at all, schools realistically require modern and functional technologies to be utilized at full potential (Purdueedu, 2014).
- 13. Reference ■ Teachhubcom. (2017). TeachHUB. Retrieved 31 January, 2017, from http://www.teachhub.com/4-stages-technology-integration-supporting-student- growth ■ Techsouporg. (2017). Techsouporg. Retrieved 31 January, 2017, from http://www.techsoup.org/community/events-webinars/using-mobile-for-outreach- 2009-07-16 ■ Purdueedu. (2014). Purdue UniversityOnline. Retrieved 31 January, 2017, from http://online.purdue.edu/ldt/learning-design-technology/resources/funding- technology-schools
Editor's Notes
- #5: Instead of completely redefining instruction, technology in the classroom can be incorporated in any range of ways that suit an educator’s comfort level. That spectrum is summarized with the letters SAMR, which stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. These represent four different degrees of technological integration into learning, from slightly supplementing instruction to completely redefining what it means to teach. By being aware of the degrees of technological incorporation, teachers both new and experienced can better understand to what extent they can leverage these new learning mediums to best support student growth (Teachhubcom, 2017).
- #9: Teachers, no matter their comfort level with incorporating technology, need not feel overwhelmed at the prospect of entirely altering their instructional methods. Those teachers who are comfortable with the more advanced tools available to classrooms may more readily embrace redefining their instruction; however, many others may feel it more appropriate to substitute, augment, or modify their approach. There are endless opportunities for technological incorporation, and each teacher should do so at the degree to which they feel they can maximize their students’ learning (Teachhubcom, 2017).