The Maine Learning Technology Initiative
Technology in the Classroom
The Maine Small High School Coalition
RESOURCES
All of the links on this page are a sampling of what can be found at MaineLearns-www.mainelearns.org, the web site for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. Along with useful links, there are many resources, stories, and ideas on "What Works" in a technology rich classroom.
RESOURCES FOR ALL- MaineLearns- www.mainelearns.org
Technology is a tool for teaching and learning. There are many applications and web sites that deeper student understanding and make the sharing of knowledge more efficient and more easily understood.
Math Standard C: Data Analysis and Statistics- Students will understand and apply concepts of data analysis.
Manipulating Data
Current Data-Technology allows access to real, current data that can be applied to a number of content areas.
E. Geometry: Students will understand and apply concepts from geometry.
H. Algebra Concepts- Students will understand and apply algebraic concepts.
Utilizing new tools and resources in the classroom to:
C. Cells- Students will understand that cells are the basic units of life.
Utilizing new tools and resources in the classroom to:
Maine News Connections- http://www.usnpl.com/menews.html- Connect students with their state by reading the news throughout the state and comparing how news is presented in different regions.
Economics- Students will learn and apply basic economic concepts of production, distribution, and consumption to make decisions as effective participants in an international economy.
A. Personal and Consumer Economics: Students will understand that economic decisions are based on the availability of resources and the costs and benefits of choices.
Great Economic Resources-
Geography- A. Students will know how to construct and interpret maps and use globes and other geographic tools to locate and derive information about people, places, regions, and environments.
Schools are using hand held GIS devices to map out schools, towns, and local areas to help design walking paths, playgrounds, and influence town planning boards.
B. Literature and Culture- Students will use reading, listening, and viewing strategies to experience, understand, and appreciate literature and culture.
Via the Internet, World Book Encyclopedia, and other resources, students are able to find instant information as it relates to their novel of study. For instance, the links below are ones used by a teacher and her students with A Christmas Carol.
A Christmas Carol
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Students email each other in their language of student. They create cultural videos and presentations. Students record their voices via iMovie or Sound Studio software and email it to teachers and students for evaluation.
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Utilizing new tools and resources in the classroom to:
B. Cultural Heritage- Students will understand the cultural contributions (social, ethical, religious dimensions) of the arts, how the arts shape and are shaped by prevailing cultural and social benefits and values, and recognize exemplary works from a variety of cultures and historical periods.
WHY?
Justification & Need
Johnson, D. L. (1998). "Integrating technology in the classroom:
the time has come." Computers in the Schools 13(1-2): 1-5.
Based on his 1980s phases of educational computing (familiarization, acquisition,
integration) the author notes the ed tech movement started as effort to familiarize
educators about potential, then predicts movement will get caught up in acquisition,
now facing the challenge of demonstrating how it can be used in everyday teaching
and learning... Noting now the movement is in phase three: integration. Finally,
he calls for teachers to share ideas about sharing technology and identifies
three trends:
National Technology Goals
"The latest research and evaluation studies demonstrate that school improvement programs that employ technology for teaching and learning yield positive results for students and teachers."
"With sufficient access and support, teachers will be better able to help their students comprehend difficult to understand concepts and engage in learning, provide their students with access to information and resources, and better meet their students' individual needs."
Goal One: All students and teachers will have access to information technology in their classrooms, schools, communities, and homes.Goal Two: All teachers will use technology effectively to help students achieve high academic standard.
Goal Three: All students will have technology and information literacy skills.
- "This technological revolution will not automatically translate into a similar revolution in teaching and learning.
Goal Five: Digital content and networked applications will transform teaching and learning.
"We heard that professional development - for pre K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, and school administrators - is the critical ingredient for effective use of technology in the classroom. However, not enough is being done to assure that today's educators have the skills and knowledge needed for effective web-based teaching. And if teacher education programs do not address this issue at once, we will soon have lost the opportunity to enhance the performance of a whole generation of new teachers, and the students they teach."
From: The Power of the Internet for learning: Moving from promise to practice. (2000). Report of the Web-Based Education Commission.
** FOCUSING ON THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES**
Guiding Principles: