Chapter 6 (Due October 24)

A curriculum is defined as "the knowledge, skills, and performance standards students are expected to acquire in particular grade levels, or through sequences [of]...subject matter." It is usually dictated by the state and district levels. In recent days technology integration into curriculums is becoming more prevalent to enhance learning and meet curriculum standards. Chapter six deals with how we, as teachers, can integrate technology sucessfully and appropriately into our classrooms.

One way schools have been integrating technology is through computer labs. They provide many computers that can have tutorial software, and access to a wide range of information. While this is easier to maintain, and provides computers for teachers to schedule, the book shows that technology is more effective when actually used within the classroom. Technology is more likely to be used if it is at the tip of a finger. The convience of in-classroom computers allows teachers to respond more readily to teachable moments, which we learned about in Intro to Education recently. By using technological sources, teachers have access to a greater pool of information at a fingers click. This is very useful when it comes to wanting to allow the students to find an answer to a question on their own.

Another integral topic this chapter discussed was lesson planning and technology. When teachers integrate technology into their lessons, the book argues that students develop their own digital literacy and they are motivated to learn. This is where the ASSURE model comes into the picture. ASSURE= Analyze the learner, State objectives, Select Methods Media and Materials, Utilize MMM, Require Learner participation, and Evaluate and revise. These are pretty self explanatory but I see a connection to the description of a good teacher that we have been studying in our other class. Especially with the last point, the E. It relates to being a "reflective practioner" and a professional in the field.

In this chapter I realized that there is more to technology in the classroom then just whipping up a PowerPoint sometimes. It's important for learner growth and development, especially if I want to teach high schoolers who will be needing to be technologically literate before entering the job market. When students are involved in learning through digital media and technology in general they are more likely to be motivated to learn and retain what they have discovered. This is a fact I will take with me.