Comprehensive Classroom Technology Plan

William H Hill
EDU-225
01/12/2013
Instructor Sharon

Unwrapping the Technology Standards While in the process of unwrapping the technology standards one must acknowledge that technology as we know it has its advantages and disadvantages. Technology should enhance learning. There is no value in just having access to it but more important how it is used. In this report the discussion will concern the technologies that are available to students K-12 to facilitate teaching, learning and communication. The report before you will also attempt to explore the requirements of grades nine through twelve and reference what’s working and what’s not from the author perspective. As the unwrapping of technology standards continues this report will evaluate how technology is performing in the average classroom to elevate teaching and learning. Discussion in reference to the skill level with technology and the requirements that may be difficult to support from recommendations will also be discuss. Please, with the reader permission allow the unwrapping to begin. The technologies that are available to K-12 teachers that can be utilized in the classroom are very plentiful. The major issues are getting the technology to the classroom. With budget cuts and school district cut backs the future classrooms will have obstacles to overcome. However, the electronic whiteboards are showing up in many classrooms around the country. (2007 ISTE). The electronic whiteboards are interactive and they are connected to a computer that is connected to a projector that will display a screen on a board. The ability to access web sites is possible, teaching interactive lessons as well as games that have lessons created for the whiteboard device. The tradition whiteboard is still available with this device and the capability to save work. Isn’t that a wonderful feature now the teacher does not have to rewrite the day before material again just bring it up. MP3 players are another technology feature that is widely used by students in most grade levels the device can be plugged into a speaker and music can be played through it. Computers are another technology device that is very helpful in the classroom. “The computer technology helps the emergent learner, students with disabilities, and the gifted student.” (2007 ISTE/NETS) Today’s mobile technologies are another device that teachers could use in the classroom. “Times have change and we should think about how we can harness the power of mobile devices. (www.iste-community.org) Tablets PCs is another technology that may be used in the classroom basically it’s a notebook computer that is not restricted by a keyboard or mouse. Other technology that would facilitate teaching, learning and communication would be electronic calculators, printers, digital projectors, voice recognition and Skype technology just to name a few. As I continue unwrapping the technology standards the requirements for grades nine through twelve has come to my attention. The requirements that appear to be on track and will be easy to implement would be facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. Teachers that use their expertise, experience, and knowledge to teach our students technological advancements and stimulate creativity in students are on track with one of the requirements for nine through twelve. (www.iste.org). The ability to utilize technology in the classroom will depend on administrators and teachers. The administrators must have visionary leadership inspire and facilitate among all stakeholders to promote technology in the classroom. Teachers must implement, promote, engage, model and create an environment that provides learning opportunities for all students. Technology would provide exceptional value to the classroom by customizing student’s experiences; personalize learning activities to address different learning styles. Other requirements for the grades nine through twelve that may be difficult to support would be the Profiles for Technology (ICT) Literate Students. Reason being that the profiles are indicators of achievement at certain stages in primary, elementary, and secondary levels. “Skills are introduced and reinforced over multiple grade levels before mastery is achieved.” (2007, ISTE). If utilization is not accomplished the process will need to be restructure to meet expectation were ever the need may be. In conclusion, I feel that my overall knowledge of my grade level choice is limited however, after searching the other grade levels it appears that nothing is missing. I feel that the ISTE/NETS standards are great but it will only become effective if the standards are utilized. We all have high expectations for technology, so it makes sense to raise our expectation of students’ abilities with technology. The concern I have is the original standards were barely address.

References ISTE, (2007) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. www.iste.org, www.iste-community.org. Atkinson, R., (1968). Computerized Instruction and the Learning Process, American Psychologists 23, 225-239.

References: ISTE, (2007) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. www.iste.org, www.iste-community.org. Atkinson, R., (1968). Computerized Instruction and the Learning Process, American Psychologists 23, 225-239.