Issue 51:
Integrating Technology and Teaching
Did you know?
Research shows that in a survey of school technology coordinators, 57 percent believed that "In ten years, most students will spend at least part of their 'school days' in virtual classes, grouped online with others who share their interests, mastery, and skills" (Fox, Anderson, & Rainie, 2005, p. 24).
Research shows the effective use of computer technology enhances student motivation, engagement, and concentration (Priest, Coe, Evershed, & Bush, 2004).
Research shows that increasingly teams of students from around the world are working together to tackle authentic problems (Kozma, 2003). Online student-centered forums have the potential to nurture community building and develop students’ collaboration and communication skills (Luca & Mcloughlin, 2004). The same researchers found that successful online forums were designed to focus on authentic content, stimulate self-reflection, and promoted self-regulation.
"Students today depend on paper too much. They don't know how to write on a slate without getting chalk dust all over themselves. They can't clean a slate properly. What will they do when they run out of paper?" –From a 1915 principal's publication
Performance Learning PLUS is a monthly e-newsletter by Performance Learning Systems (PLS), a comprehensive educational services company that has provided a full spectrum of programs, products, and consulting services to educators and business professionals since 1971.
In 1943, Thomas Watson (Chairman of IBM) stated, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." How times have changed! Now many teachers have multimedia computers equipped with educational software in their classrooms. Even if you don't have a computer in your classroom, your school may have computers that you or your students can use. Many of your students probably have computers at home. Exploring the possibility of adding computer technology to your classroom, or enhancing what you already use, is a logical next step.
How can you integrate technology into your teaching?
TIPS: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO YOUR TEACHING
Some teachers think of the computer only as a means for their students to do research on the Internet and to type reports for class. There are many more uses for computers and software in your classroom, including live-event learning, adventure games, and problem-solving opportunities. The right software package can be a real timesaver for you, and can open doors for your students' learning.
Below are some criteria to consider when you are choosing software for your students to use:
- Does the software teach the skills your students need?
- Is it fun for you to use? (If not, your students won't find it fun either.)
- Do the answers to problems posed on the software allow for multiple strategies to solve them?
- Will the content challenge your students, or will they quickly figure it out and become bored?
- Will the software keep track of student work?
- Can the software "bookmark" where students left off so they can resume their work later?
If you answered "yes" to most of the questions above, you probably have a software package that will be beneficial to you and your students.
There are many different types of student software. Read through the types of software listed below to determine which type suits your needs.
DRILL AND PRACTICE
Rather than another worksheet with questions for your students to answer, or problems for them to solve, drill and practice software allows your students to work on problems and receive immediate feedback for their answers. Some drill and practice software includes games, controllable levels of difficulty, and printouts of student performance.
Games for drill and practice can be both fun and educational, and controllable levels of difficulty means that students can learn and discover at the level where they feel most comfortable. Printouts of their performance give you a chance to monitor each student's progress and make sure they are on task and working at the appropriate level.
TUTORIAL
It's impossible for you to instruct every student at the same time and expect them to all gain the same knowledge. Tutorials can do some of the leg work for you. Some tutorial software offers entire lessons on a given subject. There are tutorials on virtually every subject, from parts of speech to chemistry experiments to the rules of basketball.
Students are able to read and study examples at their own speed, and then demonstrate ability by answering questions. You can use as much or as little of a tutorial as you deem appropriate.
Tutorials are also useful when a student has been absent and needs to understand a concept you've introduced, and can simply be another mode of instruction when a lecture or reading just isn't sufficient and/or needs some diversity.
SIMULATIONS
Creating simulations or live events in your classroom can become time consuming, expensive, or logistically impossible. Sometimes it is easier to use simulation software to demonstrate. For example, biology teachers could use a simulation of a medical intern performing an operation to remove a human kidney.
Simulations give students the opportunity to try out real-life events, as well as to practice procedures over and over again.
INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES
Software programs can include word games, adventure games, and card games, to name a few. Students love learning from games and will play long hours if a game engages them. Learning in the process is a wonderful side effect!
Flash cards for any subject, hangman, puzzles, and quizzes are some popular software instructional games.
PROBLEM-SOLVING SOFTWARE
Problem-solving software offers students a chance to control outcomes, use thinking strategies, and offer solutions. Problems can require quick solutions, or some can take days to think about and solve. Practicing problem-solving skills builds confidence and the ability to tackle new situations.
Problem-solving software is usually grade- and content-specific and can make connections between the problem and the student's world so that the student has a reason to be interested.
For additional ideas, see "Taking It Further."
Sources: The above tips are based on PLS's graduate course Building Your Technology Education and Skills®. For more information see "Related Graduate Course" to the right.
Reference:
Fox, S., Anderson, J. Q., & Rainie, L. (2005). The future of the Internet. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project.
Priest, J., Coe, R., Evershed, B., & Bush, N. (2004). : An exploration of the use of ICT at the Millennium Primary School, Greenwich. Coventry, England: British Educational Communications and Technology Agency.
Kozma, R. B. (2003). Technology and classroom practices: An international study. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 36(1) , pp. 1-14.
Luca, J., & Mcloughlin, C. (2004).Using online forums to support a community of learning.World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2004 . ,(1) , 1468-1474.Retrieved January 30, 2005 from http://dl.aace.org/15600.
Taking It Further
More TIPS for integrating technology into your teaching
The following tips are excerpted from the PLS course Building Your Technology Education and Skills®.
There are software packages for teachers that can make teaching more productive for you. Grade book programs, puzzle makers, worksheet creators, and seating chart generators are a few examples. Below are some criteria to consider when choosing teacher software:
- Does the software allow for individual input, such as student biographies, curriculum guides, and individual comments?
- Can the software print multiple items per sheet so paper isn’t wasted?
- Can the software input information from other programs?
- Can it select students for group or individual activities?
- Does it offer templates for individualization?
- Are upgrades offered free of charge?
Related Graduate Course
Building Your Technology Education Skills®
Seeking a fun hands-on opportunity to hone your technology skills? Enroll in Building Your Technology Education Skills® (BYTES), a graduate course offered by PLS. Teachers learn basic computer skills plus how to use desktop publishing to design teaching materials, create PowerPoint presentations, assess student and teacher software, find educational materials on the Internet, and much more.
Building Your Technology Education and Skills®
