by Dana Matousek
by Dana Matousek
The integration of technology into the curriculum is an innovative and important improvement to teaching and learning. With the evolution of education and society being toward technology, this integration is a must. Technology is in the workplace, so teachers must prepare their students, thus, governmental educational standards for technology have been developed and requirements placed.
All children can learn. It is up to the teacher to find the way in which each child learns. Teachers are learning about the multiple intelligences, i.e. bodily kinesthetic, verbal linguistic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, etc. Utilizing computers can meet the needs of some of these children. Computers may be a motivational tool for some children. I have seen students who are generally unmotivated, work diligently and productively for an hour at a time. This had come after immense efforts, on my part, to find the interest of these children. It has been my experience that once they have found the motivation, they can meet with success and will be more likely to put forth continued efforts in the classroom.
There are many ways to integrate computers into the curriculum. Research may be done via the internet. Students may be given lists of appropriate sites and may be taught to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate sites. The internet is, in many cases, a better resource than printed materials since it may have more current information. The internet may be used as a long distance learning tool. Students may be "hooked up" with programs such as the Jason Project, which allows students to help direct under sea equipment that provides a visual to under sea life and allows the children to view this on their computer screen. Other communicative technology that may be provided is email. Students may become pen pals with other students around the world. This could encourage further research opportunities and higher order thinking skills. Children could be comparing and contrasting cultures, environments, climates, weather, food, clothing, schools, religions, traditions and activities. With their information, they may create web pages to share, develop photo albums illustrating their new knowledge, word process new information into print, graphs, charts, or develop power point or slide show presentations, and the possibilities are endless.
The experiences children have with technology in the classroom can only enhance a foundation necessary for a future that inevitably holds technology.
It is estimated that 60% of all jobs will include technology by the year 2000. A main goal for schools is to provide an education that will help prepare children for their future. These matters probably led to the development of Technology Foundation Standards that must be met in the schools.
Some example standards include students demonstrating knowledge of:
Basically, the standards require students to gain knowledge about technology; develop skills to use the technology, and apply and interact with technology.
The Department of Education reports that students who use computers in the classroom outperform their peers by 30% on standardized tests. Students who learn in "technology rich" environments were more enthusiastic, developed better writing, communication and problem solving skills and had better attendance rates. Integrating technology into the curriculum exposes children to some of the technology they will need whether they are college bound or heading straight into the work place.
The bottom line is that good teachers will teach students to reflect, collaborate, cooperate, think critically, be problem solvers, and be culturally open minded. Integrating technology can help lead students into becoming informationally literate and better prepared for their futures. It is not suggested that technology replace all current or past teaching and learning structures or tools, but is recommended to enhance and extend. As Vice President Al Gore stated very eloquently, "We must give our children the chance to succeed in the information age, and that means giving them access to the tools that are shaping the world in which we live."
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