This page is dedicated to help teachers understand the importance of designing technology rich lesson plans as well as ways to do so.
Ideas for Integrating Technology in the Teaching and Learning Process
Designing and Planning Engaging Lessons with Technology
Designing engaging lesson plans is crucial to student learning. Keeping them interested in the subject matter will lead to better memory of the subject as well as willingness by the students to want to know more. Using technology such as computer programs, games, and social media in the classroom is a great way to incorporate a large aspect of the students’ lives into the lesson, making it more engaging. When it comes to using technology, “schools may have a long way to go to match the experience students have elsewhere, but the goal is to help students use and enjoy technology in order to learn” (Schrum & Solomon, 2007, p.33). By integrating what students are already interested in and are using into the lesson, students will be more open and willing to learn.
Presenting Concepts Effectively with Technology
The way teachers present new concepts to their students is just as important as the material itself. If the lesson is not interesting or presented in a way that is confusing, then students will fail to understand or stay focused. Using technology rich lessons is important to spark students’ interest in various subject matters so learning can be fun and concepts can be well developed and explored thoroughly. Teachers “have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students” (Schrum & Solomon, 2007, p.178). This means, knowing what technologies that students use, and utilizing them in the classroom for better student interest and understanding.
Assessing Students for Learning withTechnology
While technology plays a larger and larger role in the classroom with each passing day, using technology for student assessment is no exception. Schrum and Solomon (2007) found that “if educators work together to plan their instruction and simultaneously plan ways to evaluate throughout the unit, they will develop a wide variety of interesting models” (p.170). One particular method is for students to have an electronic portfolio where they can post projects and assignments online for them to demonstrate what they have done and are capable of doing. This is one way for teachers to use technology to assess each student to better understand how they learn, which makes for a more informed and better prepared teacher in the classroom.
Managing Classroom and Technology use Effectively
Using technology in the classroom is a great way for students to learn, but in order for it to be effective, it must be used in the correct manner. The technology used must match the lesson content. It must be focused and on point. It must also be integrated properly into the lesson and be accompanied by direct instruction. Also, the technologies used need to fit the age group and intellect of the students."Students want challenging, technologically oriented instructional activities" (Schrum & Solomon, 2007, p.32). By integrating technology in a way that captures attention and also challenges the students to grasp new concepts and ideas, it will foster a better more relatable learning environment.
Another aspect of managing technology use effectively is teaching students about proper online etiquette and use. Teaching students about copy right and safety issues is a teachers’ responsibility and must be done before, during, and after any online use administered by the teacher.
Facilitating Engaging Learning Experiences in the Classroom with Technology
There are many ways to use technology in the classroom. The challenge is to use it in a way that connects with the students. To connect with a student, it helps to think like one. Use tools, programs, and challenges that apply to their lives. “Students must have a personally meaningful challenge. Such challenges stimulate a students’ mind to the desired state of alertness” (Schrum & Solomon, 2007, p.38). By making it applicable to a students’ life or situation will make for a more interested learner.
Supporting Learning outside the Classroom with Technology
Now that almost every household has an available computer, teachers can assign projects and other online tasks to be completed at home. Also, all the information online about any subject matter opens up a whole new world of learning that can be done at home.
Teachers are also now taking advantage of the online communication tools available to post helpful resources or relevant information. “Three of the most common type of Web 2.0 tools are blogs, podcasts, and wikis” (Schrum & Solomon, 2007, p.55). A blog is a great tool for teachers to post comments and class related information and also allows students to post comments and assignments. Podcasts are a way for teachers to post audio files that students can download to their computers, smart phones, or iPods. A wiki is a webpage that can be altered by the teacher or the student and is a great collaborative learning tool. These tools, along with many others, are great ways for teachers to use technology outside the classroom.
Supporting Diverse Learners with Technology
“An ongoing challenge for all schools is to provide an equal opportunity to learn and achieve to all students” (Schrum & Solomon, 2007, p.165). One major responsibility of a teacher is to understand how each student in his/her class learns, tailor instruction to fit those needs, and provide ongoing support so each child has the same chance to achieve. There are many programs and tools available to help level the playing field and allow for an equal chance of learning opportunities for all students. Using blogs, podcasts, and other online posting resources are one way for students to work on these concepts at home to alleviant any pressure they may feel to grasp and complete any concepts or assignments in the classroom.
The 3 Most Common Barriers to Technology and Specific Suggestions or Solutions that can help Teachers overcome these Barriers.
Because using technology in the classroom is a relatively new concept, there are many barriers to overcome before it can be used effectively.
1. Many faculty members are unsure of how to effectively integrate technology in the classroom.
Take initiative and do some research about what programs are out there for educators. There are many websites dedicated to informing teachers as to what programs and tools are available for teachers to use in the classroom. This link will take you to a list of resources available to help in the search. Technological Resources
2. Many faculty members don’t know how to use the technology themselves. There’s a lack of training.
The best way to become familiar with a certain technology is to use it. Explore the different features and functions that different technologies have to offer and figure out how it could be useful in the classroom. Also, talk to the younger teachers at school. The later generations have grown up using computers and other technological tools and will have a better grasp on how they work. Nowadays in college, these younger teachers have even taken classes on what technologies are available and how to use them.
3. Faculty members do not have sufficient time to integrate technology.
If the school does not offer time during school hours to plan for technology use in the lesson plan then time at home may need to be used in order to achieve this goal. While doing research and integrating these technological tools and programs at home may seem like a major hassle but it will no doubt improve instruction and better students’willingness to learn. It will also save time in the long run by keeping lessons, assessments, and student records online for easy access and review.