Chelsea FletcherFebruary 2014INST 6031.02

OverviewWhen students are using technology as a tool

or a support for communicating with others, they are in an active role rather than the passive role of recipient of information transmitted by a teacher, textbook, or broadcast. The student is actively making choices about how to generate, obtain, manipulate, or display information.

Important Fact #1One of the most important benefits of

technology in the classroom is that it is preparing students to work effectively in this 21st century.

Important Fact #2Effective technology integration must happen

across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process.

Important Fact #3Technology also changes the way teachers

teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means.

Important Fact #4Teachers are now using SMART boards,

interactive whiteboards, projectors, and other visual aids to teach the lesson. Using these items in the classroom to facilitate instruction causes the students to become engaged, more motivated, and more excited about learning (“Effects of Technology”).

Important Fact #5The teacher is no longer the center of attention

as the dispenser of information, but rather plays the role of the facilitator setting project goals and providing guidelines and resources, moving from student to student or group to group, providing suggestions and support for student activity. As students work on their technology-supported products, the teacher rotates through the room, looking over shoulders, asking about the reasons for various design choices, and suggesting resources that might be used (“Effects of Technology”).

Important Fact #6Technologies support meaningful learning

when they fulfill a learning need—when interactions with technologies are learner initiated and learner controlled and when interactions with the technologies are conceptually and intellectually engaging.

Important Fact #8Technology as information vehicle for

exploring knowledge to support learning by constructing: for accessing needed informationfor comparing perspectives, beliefs, and

worldviews

Important Fact #9Technology can also consist of any reliable

technique or method for engaging learning, such as cognitive learning strategies and critical thinking skills.

ConclusionHowever, technology should not replace

traditional classroom style, unless it is online like this class, but rather act as an asset to help students learn more effectively.