Tech Plan? Get one. A relevant one.

Technology plans are useful to schools in their implementation of technology.  It focuses the administration (who is responsible for purchasing the technology tools) on instruction rather than simply programs, software, or new gadgets. Technology plans attempt to provide both teachers and administrators with the tools to help them in their tasks concerning student development and education.  Technology and its tools should be viewed as a way to enhance research-supported instructional strategies rather than being seen simply as new, exciting toys.  

I would love to see technology plans modernized towards moving high school students to eBooks and tablets.  Traditional textbooks are expensive and bulky.  They are difficult for students to transport and quickly become worn without the ability to update.  A tablet containing all of a student’s books would pay for itself quickly in the amount saved by not using the traditional texts.  It would also give students additional internet resources to use while studying and increase student comfort with this technology.  eBooks are far more ecological, which is important as schools are attempting to make responsible citizens as well as educated students. 





Why is technology used?


So much pressure is put on using technology, but why?  What are the benefits?

         Technology enhances and supports education by:

1.    Allowing for collaboration

2.    Extending the “classroom” time

3.    It can allow for a global perspective

4.    Facilitates student differentiation

5.    Students find information rather than just receive it

6.    Engaging students

7.    Provides almost immediate feedback

8.    Allowing distance education

9.    Providing access to more relevant, timely content

10. Facilitating peer reviewing

11. Can be used to assess students quickly

12. Allows data to be collected and analyzed (from assessment, lab, etc.)

Teachers Make the Difference

Technology is vital in the workplace.  This trend will only continue.  Because education must prepare students for the next phase in life, schools must instruct students on how to use technology effectively and appropriately. 

The greatest benefit to using technology is its immense capability.  From podcasting, to recording lectures and slides, blogging, creating web pages…the options seem to be limitless.  Students also enjoy the use of technology.  It has even been shown to engage passive learners.

 

The greatest threat to technology use in the classroom setting is not funding.  It is not the decisions concerning platforms, hardware, software, networking, or whether or not to provide teachers with LCD projectors and smartboards.   While these are obvious considerations and issues that must be addressed, the crucial determinant of whether technology succeeds or fails in the classroom is the teacher.  Fullan (1982) stated that "educational change depends on what teachers do and think--it's as simple and complex as that." 

To overcome this issue, teachers must learn to use technology.  This requires an investment of time, energy, and the willingness to change their present teaching style.  Effective models to emulate for the integration of technology into the curriculum must also be a part of the technology implementation at a school.  

Currently with such a great focus on teacher quality, it is not surprising that the teacher makes the difference...even with technology.  

The Core

Technology and its tools are a way to enhance research-supported instructional strategies.  Technology should be used to emphasize student learning and problem solving.