References & Credits
Principles :

Principles (with commentary)

 Ten Commandments

Principles of integration

In order to achieve these essential conditions technology use and planning for grades 6-12 should be guided by the following principles:

  • Teachers should develop detailed plans for infusing technology as a tool to increase learning opportunities.
    • Lesson plans should include both subject area and technology integration objectives.
    • Lesson plans must provide both time for students to complete projects and time for teaching the necessary technology skills.
    • Lesson plans should focus on student centered, collaborative learning where students are engaged in authentic tasks and the teacher becomes the facilitator of learning.
    • “Curricula must drive technology” not vice versa.
  • Teachers should collaborate with other teachers.
    • The team organization in most middle schools makes multi-disciplinary, thematic units possible.
    • Collaboration in subject area departments at the high school level can help to assure that all students are provided with opportunities to participate in units enhanced through the use of technology.
    • Collaboration with ESOL, remedial, and special education teachers provides teachers with assistance in accommodating the needs of all learners.
    • Above all, teachers should collaborate with their media specialist(s) and computer lab teacher(s) to help integrate technology into meaningful lessons!
  • Teachers must attend on-going technology staff development.
    • Preferably chosen by them to meet their specific needs!
    • Staff development must focus on training to use technology to teach the curriculum not on computer skills or how to use a specific piece of software.
    • Just-in-time support and assistance can be provided by onsite technology mentors.
  • Teachers and staff should identify technology-based and support resources that are available.
    • commentary
  • There must be available and quality technology support.
    • commentary
  • Leadership at both the school and district level must develop a vision for technology use and set policies that support the vision.
    • Curricula and assessment should focus on higher level thinking skills.
    • All students must be afforded equitable access to modern technologies.
    • Curriculum, instruction, and assessment policies should support engaged learning.
    • Funding decisions should reflect the provision for adequate technology resources and support in order to prepare students to be productive citizens in the 21st Century.
  • Involve community partners that provide insight, support, and interaction and connect the school, to the real world.
    • Students should become familiar with workplace technologies.
    • Ask partners for assistance in acquiring and maintaining technology.
    • Educate parents on the necessity of preparing students for the 21st Century

 

Teacher resources

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