Technology, Digital Media, and Curriculum Integration CHAPTER 6 Technology, Digital Media, and Curriculum Integration By: Chante’ Small EDUC 303.001 Dr. Kariuki April 27, 2011

OBJECTIVES Define curriculum and explain curriculum standards and learning benchmarks Explain technology integration, also called curriculum integration Describe the use of computers in computer labs and media centers versus classroom instruction Identify ways in which technology can positively influence learning Identify ways to plan for technology integration Explain various planning tools and instructional methods Describe the steps of the ASSURE Model Identify ways to get started using technology at a new school Describe the use of learning centers

What is Curriculum? Curriculum is defined as the knowledge, skills, and performance standards students are expected to acquire in particular grade levels, or through sequences or clusters based on subject matter units of instruction, such as language arts, mathematics, science, English, history, physical education, and others.

Curriculum Curriculum often is designed at the state or school district level by a team of curriculum specialists, instructional leaders, and other experts. For curriculum to be implemented properly, teachers must not only understand the curriculum but also be empowered to adapt the curriculum in such a way as to meet the instructional needs of their students. Many countries have Departments of Education or educational organizations that serve as the governing association for educational regulations and reforms. Agencies in the United States include the federal Department of Education(DOE) and each state has its own Department or Board of Education

Curriculum (Part 2) State education departments also provide their school districts with documents that describe curriculum standards and benchmarks for learning. U.S. Department of Education These documents often are called curriculum frameworks or curriculum guides. They include direction for specific content areas, benchmarks, activities, and forms of evaluation. Maryland State Department of Education Some states and districts are incorporating Grade Level Expectations(GLEs) into their curriculum. The purpose is to show the content and skills that students are expected to master for each subject area and to assist teachers in making sure students meet the content standards for a particular subject area. Many school districts have developed Mastery Objective Checklists, which are skills that must be mastered by a current grade level. These skills are usually listed on a grid or table for easy reference.

CURRICULUM STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS A curriculum standard, also called a curriculum goal, defines what a student is expected to know at certain stages of education. Standard 1.0 General Reading Processes Topic B. Students will apply their knowledge of letter/sound relationships and word structure to decode unfamiliar words. Indicator 1. Identify letters and their corresponding sounds Objectives Identify digraphs, such as ch, ph, sh, th, and wh Identify diphthongs, such as oy, ow, ay 2. Decode words in grade-level texts Use phonics to decode words Break compound words, contractions, and inflectional endings into known parts Identify and apply vowel patterns to read words, such as CVC, CVCE, CVVC Read blends fluently, such as spl, str

What is Technology Integration? Technology integration, also called curriculum integration, is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software, together with each subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning. A critical issue related to technology integration is that technology should not drive the curriculum. The curriculum, rather, should drive the technology; that is, teachers should use the appropriate technologies to enhance learning at the appropriate times and to teach to the standards.

Classroom Integration Versus Computer Labs and Media Centers Many educators have become advocates of integrating computers into content areas. For years, teachers and administrators have focused their efforts on getting technology or computer labs into schools. A computer lab, or technology lab, usually is a designated classroom filled with computers and technology for students to use individually or in groups. In addition to computer labs, school media centers contain computers and other relevant technologies; they also an be scheduled for use by classroom teachers. Research shows that computers and related technologies, however, are more effective when integrated into subject content and placed in the classroom—at the point of instruction. Point of instruction is having the technology in the classroom at the teachers’ and students’ fingertips, ready for use any time. When students are interested and ready to learn more about a topic, teachers have a teachable moment, which is an open window of opportunity for the information to be comprehended in greater detail by students. VERSUS

Classroom and Curriculum The Classroom in Action Virtual field trips allow you to walk through doorways, down halls, and let you see everything in a three-dimensional world via a computer as if you were there. That means no longer hearing a story about a thing, but now actually seeing, hearing, and interacting with a variety of information. Integrating Technology into the Curriculum A learning style refers to how individuals learn, including how they prefer to receive, process, and retain information. Many different types of learning styles exist and most individuals learn using a combination of several styles.

Changing Instructional Strategies When students play a more active role in the learning process, the teacher’s role must change. Rather than dictating a learning process, a facilitator of learning motivates students to want to learn, guides the student learning process, and promotes a learning atmosphere and an appreciation for the subject. Two main assumptions must be considered as teachers become facilitators of learning: The first is that students can create their own learning and that the teacher’s role is to assist their students in this process The second is that academic work extends beyond the mere storage of information.

Welliver’s Instructional Transformation Model Familiarization is when teachers become aware of technology and its potential uses. Utilization is when teachers use technology, but minor problems will cause them to discontinue its use. Integration is when technology becomes essential for the educational process and teachers are constantly thinking of new ways to use technology in their classrooms Reorientation is when teachers begin to rethink the educational goals of the classroom with the use of technology. Revolution is the evolving classroom that becomes completely integrated with technology in all subject areas. Technology becomes an invisible tool that is seamlessly woven into the teaching and learning process.

Technology Integration and the Learning Process With Proper Technology Training, Teachers Can Do the Following: Create relationships between participatory learning and active teaching. Develop an appreciation for and an understanding of the potential of technology Learn to be creator of digital media for self-expression. Develop leadership skills and become role models for successful integration. Understand the power of technology integration. Design integrated curriculum activities that develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Learn the benefits of technology in the classroom. Develop ownership of the technology through authentic experiences. Learn to motivate students with digital media and other technologies. Achieve success by becoming informed and reflective decision makers. Become advocates for technology integration.

The Learning Process One way to engage learners is to motivate them through authentic learning experiences. Authentic learning experiences are instructional activities that demonstrate real-life connections by associating the concept being taught with a real-life experience or event. When possible, teachers should promote participatory learning, also referred to as secondary learning, which is a type of learning that occurs when students become engaged in inquiring, investigating, reflecting, solving problems, and formulating and answering questions.

Technology and the Learning Process Technology can provide numerous tools to support many types of instruction and learning. Britannica- is an interactive multimedia encyclopedia. These applications provide working visual models of how the various parts of the human heart interact. These applications allow students to see and experience clearly things they could never experience by only reading a textbook. Cognitive scaffold- a mental bridge for building an understanding of complicated concepts Another benefit of integrating educational applications is that they encourage students to think not only in words and pictures, but also in colors, sounds, animations, and more.

More Learning Processes Cooperative learning- refers to a method of instruction in which students work collaboratively in groups to achieve standards and related learning objectives. Cooperative classroom activities- student-centered, with the teacher serving as a facilitator and the students as information seekers. The Role of the School District Technology plan- is an outline that specifies the school district’s procedures for purchasing and maintaining equipment and software, and training teachers to use and then integrate technology into their classroom curriculum. Mentorship program- teams new or novice teachers with experienced teachers to encourage new teachers to learn to integrate technology resources.

Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom One-computer classroom-teachers must plan to maximize the effectiveness of that one computer. Two-computer classroom- one computer could be used mainly for research and the next could be used as a writing center. More than two computers-students can rotate as they complete projects or activities providing an environment for productive use of the computers Using a computer lab or a media center- allows teachers to provide learning opportunities that are not possible in a one-, two-, or even five-computer classroom. Using a wireless mobile lab- represents an evolution of products and services for businesses and education. Wireless mobile lab(computer lab on wheels or computers on wheels(COW) which is a portable cart with wireless notebook computers that can be transported from one classroom to another.

Planning Lessons with Technology One of the more important parts of technology planning is developing classroom lessons and activities that utilize technology. A skill assessment survey is designed to identify individual students’ academic and technology skill levels and then create a starting point for developing instructional strategies. One simple effective tool to help in the planning process is a KWL chart.

Instructional Methods- ASSURE MODEL The ASSURE model is a procedural guide for planning and delivering instruction that integrates technologies and media into the teaching process. Who are the learners? What are their skill levels? What are their learning styles? What do you want the learners to gain knowledge of? What are the specific learner outcomes? What methods of instruction will you use? Which media are appropriate? Which materials will you need? How will you use the methods and media? How will you use the materials? What is your instructional strategy? What will the learners be required to do? Will the learners engage in participatory or passive learning? Did the lesson meet the objectives? How will you evaluate content and technologies used? How will you revise and improve?

Critical Questions to ask During the Evaluate and Revise Phase of the ASSURE Model Did students learn what you wanted them to learn? Can students demonstrate understanding of the content? Was the chosen technology effective in achieving the learning objectives? Were the learning objectives met using the technology? Should learning objectives be taught in a different format? Would these learning objectives be better taught without technology or with another technology? Can students work cooperatively with a partner on this lesson? Would parts of the content be better understood if students worked individually? What would you change? What would you keep the same? How will you revise this lesson?

Getting Started at a New School Information About Technology- one of the first items to investigate is who else in the school is using technology in their classrooms. A technology committee- consists of teachers, administrators, and staff who consider, investigate, advise, and make recommendations to the principal and technology coordinator about technology-related issues. A teacher’s manual- contains information's, rules and regulations, rights and responsibilities, and policies and procedures, including those related to all aspects of technology in the district. Technology Training- take time to find out if your school offers any professional development or in-service training for using and integrating technology. In-service- means training teachers after they have entered the profession of teaching.

Getting Started at a New School( Part 2) 3. Hardware- determining how you can upgrade your classroom computers or obtain additional hardware is another item to consider. --Educational grants: way for teachers to obtain additional funds for hardware and software 4. Software- with hardware requirements decided, you will need to determine what kind of software is available to you and where you can find it. --State bid list: list of companies that states contract with to purchase specific software applications at reduced prices. 5. Other technologies- VCR, DVD player, digital camera, digital video camera, scanner, projector, or an electronic whiteboard. 6. Technology Supplies-the media specialist or the school secretary usually handles orders for general supplies for a school

Putting It All Together Creating an integrated learning environment Centers, or learning centers, give you the opportunity to break your classroom into many different types of learning environments without ever leaving the room. Essential Questioning Technique is what many educators use to teach their students to look for the most important or fundamental part of a topic. The Classroom Centers- include a discovery computer center, a Web search center with a computer connected to the Internet, a modeling center, the great explorers’ library center, a scanning and photo center with a computer set up for scanning pictures and other objects, a science center, and a digital media project center.

Learning Theories and Educational Research All teaching strategies have learning theories and educational research embedded within the instructional framework. Learning theories help teachers form instructional strategies and technology integration techniques by providing a basic framework for teaching and learning. Teachers learn to combine the different strategies and integration methods that are most suitable and appropriate for teaching their students. Learning Theories Summary of Technology and Curriculum Integration The best strategy for technology integration is to place technology into the hands of students and trained teachers, make it easily accessible, and let them decide how best to use it in their classrooms at the point of instruction. Teachers are the content experts who should evaluate all resources used in classrooms. The chapter first discussed curriculum and technology issues as they apply to technology integration and then provided teachers with ideas, an instructional model, and effective planning strategies. Then there was the introduction to the concept of technology integration that will help you build your integration literacy skills. Finally, the chapter showed how one teacher could fully integrate technology into an interdisciplinary project. Elementary Students Get a Wired Education | Editorial

THIS IS THE END OF CHAPTER 6!!!! BY: Chante’ Small MY FUTURE with Technology: