Class 7 Reading Responses

Critical Issue:
Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom

As I read this article, I couldn’t help but nod my head in agreement with many of the points made. The contradictory belief that it is okay to use the Internet in our real lives but not in the schools constantly amazes me. With our increasing dependence on the Internet to read, write, buy, sell, bank, even pay our taxes, how can we deny that our students’ education must reflect our current culture?
One of the issues discussed revolves around the teacher as a key factor in the success of technology implementation in the classroom. That seems self-evident; teachers are the key factors in the successful implementation of any curriculum. However, increased computer use without instructional purpose adds no value. Students must be shown that technology can do more than calculate; it can also be used to problem solve and create. But if we are successful in this, then we must also adjust our assessment tools to reflect the change in the medium. I spend all year allowing my students to use the Internet and word processing software to write essays. Then, in spring, the standardized tests are traditional pencil-and-paper assessments. My students have trained their brains to drive the car using automatic transmission and now we are testing if they can drive with a stick shift. It doesn’t make sense.
While there may be valid obstacles to technology implementation, obstacles also arise for implementation of any new innovation in education. It is up to us all, board members, administrators, teachers, students, and parents, to overcome those barriers to prepare our children to succeed in the future.


Integrating Technology into the Classroom using Classroom Instruction that Works

It seems the Jordan School District has found a great way to tie Marzano’s brain-based research strategies to technology. For the teacher who is just beginning to integrate technology and instruction, the tips offered on this webpage can provide a basic roadmap on how to get started. For the experienced teacher, it allows you to see how to blend the proven activities with the technological innovation. This webpage will definitely be one that I add to my bookmarks.