Moving Technology Into the Classroom

1. Moving Technology Into the Classroom Making Mobile Labs Work for You Presented by Kim Overstreet and Paula Whitmer Kentucky Teaching and Learning Conference Friday, March 7, 2003 1:00-3:30

2. Kentucky’s Standards and Indicators for School Improvement6 Standard 3: The school’s instructional program actively engages all students by using effective, varied, and research-based practices to improve student academic performance

3. Performance Level 3(Fully functioning and operational level of development and implementation)6 • 3.1.a There is evidence that effective and varied instructional strategies are used in all classrooms. • Teachers use a variety of student-centered instructional strategies (e.g., cooperative learning, learning centers, hands-on activities). • Classroom instruction regularly addresses various learning styles, the multiple intelligences, and brain research. • Instructional activities frequently require all students to use higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. • Content area and interdisciplinary connections are intentionally planned and addressed in instruction in most classrooms.

4. Performance Level 3(Fully functioning and operational level of development and implementation)6 • 3.1.c Instructional strategies and activities are consistently monitored and aligned with the changing needs of a diverse student population to ensure various learning approaches and learning styles are addressed. • Instructional strategies and activities frequently and intentionally address the learning needs and various learning styles of students. • Students regularly have instructional opportunities to connect their learning to real-life experiences.

5. Performance Level 3(Fully functioning and operational level of development and implementation)6 • 3.1.e There is evidence that teachers incorporate the use of technology in their classrooms. • Teachers use technology as an integral part of instruction in all areas (e.g., research, product development, data organization). • Technology is regularly used to expand the classroom into the greater community (e.g., cable television, WebQuest, international electronic pen pals, virtual tools). • Technology is readily available and accessible to all students, and they are encouraged to use it as part of instruction.

6. Performance Level 3(Fully functioning and operational level of development and implementation)6 • 3.1.f Instructional resources are sufficient to effectively deliver the curriculum. • A variety of electronic and printed instructional resources are used in most classrooms.

7. Advantages of Technology in the ClassroomsWhat the research says2 • Children quickly learn to use word processing software and often do better writing than with pencil and paper. • Students show greater achievement on standardized tests after using computers for math problem solving. • Computer software that encourages student exploration supports instruction that increases students' understanding

8. Advantages of Technology in the ClassroomsWhat the research says2 • Computerized simulation expands classroom inquiry and improves learning. • Learning-disabled (LD) students using computer simulations score significantly higher than did traditionally taught students--both LD and non-LD--on recall of basic information and problem-solving skills.

9. Advantages of Technology in the ClassroomsWhat the research says2 • Low-achieving writers benefit from participation in telecommunications-based writing projects in which they are intrinsically motivated in a real communications environment. • Students in an inquiry-based curriculum who used a variety of technologies… acquired significant amounts of content knowledge and developed a positive self-image.

10. Advantages of Technology in the ClassroomsWhat the research says2 • Students spend more time analyzing and interpreting data when they use computers in an integrated, problem-based curriculum. • The computer can be a powerful tool for the delivery of critical-thinking and problem-solving activities in the social studies classroom.

11. Are engaged Are motivated Spend more time learning than with traditional pencil and paper. Are better writers Are more expressive Are more creative Explore and learn on their own Have confidence Work collaboratively Are more likely to graduate Develop higher-levels of self-esteem Students who use technology…3

12. Why laptops?5 • Laptops help promote a positive shift toward more project based, hands on learning, away from lecture based learning. Lecture based learning will not, and should not, disappear. However, the information manipulation environment provided by laptops allows teachers to reduce their reliance on lecturing. • Eliminating digital divides • Price • Easy storage and access to student’s accumulating work.

13. Writing Mathematics Social Studies Science Foreign Language Art, Music, & Drama Why laptops?5

14. Lesson Plan Evaluation1 • To be judged as Excellent— “It is evident technology is used to enhance student learning and matches the lesson. Multiple technologies are used for authentic learning. Students are guided into project-based learning where technology is used as a tool. Inspires extended learning.” • To be judged as Expected— “Technology is used to encourage student learning in this lesson plan. Students use one or more technology tools for authentic learning. Technology is used by students to acquire knowledge and/or demonstrate learning.”

15. Project Based Learning4 Typically focuses teaching and learning around projects that are driven by an authentic question or problem that is central to the discipline/curriculum, involves the building of a community of learners, and culminates in the presentation of a student-constructed work (e.g., a book, Web site, or multimedia presentation) to an outside audience.

16. Constructivist Collaborative Driven by student inquiry Aimed at deep understanding of content Multidisciplinary Real (or at least realistic) in topic and context Assessed frequently by the learning community for revision Sustained over a long period of time People who have studied PBL have described it as being:4

17. Why Should I Use PBL in My Classroom?4 • Students doing PBL perform as well on standardized tests, and often better than, students in traditional classrooms. • Students doing PBL learn research skills, understand the subject matter at a deeper level than do their traditional counterparts, and are more deeply engaged in their work . • Teachers and parents of students learning by doing projects are pleased about children’s enthusiasm and hard work when they are doing PBL .

18. Sources • "Rubric for Technology Lesson Plan" Mt. Juliet High School, TN. 27 Feb. 2003 http://www.wcschools.com/mjhs/tlcf/bestpractices/best_prac_rubric.htm • "Apple K-12 Effectiveness Reports " Apple.com Apple Computer, Inc.. 27 Feb. 2003 http://www.apple.com/education/k12/leadership/effect.html • "The Impact of Technology on Student Achievement: A Summary of Research Findings on Technology’s Impact in the Classroom." Apple.com Apple Computer, Inc.. 27 Feb. 2003 http://www.apple.com/education/research/pdf/EduResearchFSv2.pdf

19. Sources • McGrath, Diane. "Getting Started with Project-Based Learning." Learning & Leading with Technology November 2002: 42-45. • Bartels, Laurie and Fred. "Learning With Laptops" Learning With Laptops 28 Feb. 2003 http://www.learningwithlaptops.org/ • Kentucky Department of Education, . School Level Performance Descriptors and Glossary for Kentucky's Standards and Indicators for School Improvement. Frankfort, Kentucky: , September, 2002.