How? Why? When?

These three questions are the ones I most frequently encounter when working with teachers.  I have found that starting technology integration with discussions and information to be a nice foundation to hands-on technology training.

How?

The first question to answer, “how will using technology fit within my classroom?” I have found the best way to plan for using technology is to see technology in action. The first place to look is within your school and/or district for teachers who are using technology. These technology pioneers have experienced what it is like to develop technology rich lessons with the technology available in your environment.

A second great resource is the internet. This vast resource has amazing ideas and stories of technology implementation in classrooms around the world. While each classroom is unique in its needs, some of the following links should help get you started.

Best Practices of Technology Integration
http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/bstpract/
Links to well-written lessons incorporating technology into teaching.

Tools for TEKS
http://www.wtvi.com/teks/
An informational site with articles all pertaining to integration of technology into the classroom.

Technology Integration Ideas
http://remc11.k12.mi.us/bcisd/classres/intideas.htm
A listing of product possibilities categorized by software type

Why?

As technology has developed many ask why is technology use important in the classroom. Much of the concern over utilizing technology is due to the misuse of technology. Toolishness – a term coined by Jamie McKenzie (http://fno.org) describes the use of technology for technology sake. I cannot over stress the importance of only using technology as it fits within a classroom. Many teachers feel the pressure to incorporate technology, “must use, use, and use”. But I propose that technology at its best is another teaching tool. It has its place in the classroom. Much like I did not allow my fourth grade students to use marker for every classroom project, I do not believe that technology is a perfect fit for all learning environments.
    When planning to use technology in a lesson it is important to keep in mind several things:

• What is main objective of the lesson?
• Will using technology enhance this lesson?
• Is there enough technology available to complete the assignment in a timely fashion?
• How will the students work to complete the lesson, alone, in pairs, small groups?
• Will there be technology support? (from peer teachers, technology staff)

The web sites listed below contain some ideas that may give you answers to “why”.

TechLearning - Listening to the Walls Talk http://www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/WCE/archives/rosesha3.html
An idea article about a writing/geography project for upper elementary students

Technology Is Tailor-Made For Teaching - http://www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/WCE/archives/pamlowe.htm One teacher’s take on teaching in a technology rich environment

When?

This question is perhaps the most difficult to answer. There are as many answers as there are classrooms. The timing of projects is almost as important as the subject matter. My one stop resource pick for helping you answer “when” is the web site From Now On. (http://fno.org) This informational site is focused on integrating technology into the classroom. It contains a large amount of articles on pertinent topics to anyone involved in school technology use.