Technology Integration for Teaching and Learning at NES

Carol Batchelder NES Technology Teacher January 2002

WHY is it important?

Effective technology integration into the curriculum leads to positive reforms in teaching and learning. It moves traditional classrooms from...

teacher centered instruction single sense stimulation single media information delivered passive learning factual, knowledge based literal thinking isolated, artificial context

To student-centered classrooms that reflect...

Collaborative and Cooperative Learning

Mrs. Stedman’s 4th grade students work together to explore, problem-solve and exchange information as they take part in Geography Challenges with students from around the world.

Authentic and Active Learning

Ms. Ward’s students explore and construct meaning as they research famous Black Americans to prepare for developing their own webpages.

Reflective and Constructive Learning

Mrs.Blumenbaum’s students develop questions, plan action, articulate goals, research using different media forms,build on prior knowledge and explain their thinking as they work on a Habitats project.

Student Benefits from Technology Integration and a new Learning Environment:

A differentiated curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.

Development of higher order thinking skills and problem solving strategies.

Enrichment and expansion of their world.

Engagement and excitement about a topic of study.

Improved communication between home/school community.

How did NES get here and how do we keep it going?

Teacher Interest Administrative Support Professional Development

What’s most important? Having the technology and a powerful network AND knowing how to implement them.

Full time Technology Teacher Part time Technology Aide

Technology Training

Technology Training is the Key

Education Week states, “82 percent of teachers said they were not given enough time outside their regular teaching duties to learn, practice or plan how to use the computers and other technologies”.

Model Classroom Evaluation Report 2001 “Providing computers and online capabilities to students and teachers does not inevitably improve a child’s learning experience, and without training, teachers do not necessarily feel prepared to use the technology effectively and efficiently.”

At NES

professional development

comes in a variety of forms:

Summer Technology Training

- at least 32 teachers have taken advantage of training opportunities. Our web site has two pages which highlights teacher developed technology projects.

Monthly Support Training

Both MCI and Summer trained teachers meet after school once a month for follow up support and further project development.

Weekly “Just In Time”

just what they need.

A floating sub gives teachers time to work one -on-one with the technology teacher on

Daily Assistance

- for troubleshooting, model lessons and projects.

“The best predictor of technology’s effectiveness in the classroom is the degree to which teachers are prepared to use it.” Tom Carroll Director, US Dept. of Ed.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers