Technology planning and integration must be included in curriculum planning and implementation. This planning process must guide the direction of technology acquisition and implementation. Means (1994) indicates that there are four major functions of technology used for learning:
- Technology used as a tutor – where the technology does the direct teaching. It mirrors workbooks in that it provides information, demonstrations, asks questions, and provides practice.
- Technology used to explore learning environments through discovery where students direct their learning.
- Technology “applied as tools” allowing students to experience the same tools that are found in the workplace or home. Unlike tutoring types of tools, these tools allow for student productions. They include word processing, spreadsheet software, video cameras, and video editing equipment.
- Technology with which to communicate. This allows for the sending and receiving of messages and collaboration among the educational community.
As the Lawrence Public Schools continue their challenge of integrating technology into the curriculum, time needs to be allocated to the curriculum departments at the district and building levels to identify the relevant components of technology that impact student learning. Over the coming years there will be on-going reviews of building and departmental needs for technology in order to meet curricular expectations.
Technology must not be perceived as an isolated component of the curriculum, but as an integral part of every facet of school life. This use of technology will facilitate more effective instructional delivery, fostering interdisciplinary integration. The Educational Programming Team will have the responsibility of designing a process for curriculum integration to implement the components of the District's technology plan. This plan will attempt to:
- Integrate technology proficiencies into district curriculum.
- Provide the necessary professional development to make effective use of technology in supporting the curriculum.
- Develop an ongoing process for the integration and use of technology in the curriculum.
The following goals and objectives were considered during the development of the curriculum component of the district technology plan
Goals (US Department of Education Goals for Technology)
- All students and teachers will have access to technology in their schools and classrooms
- All teachers will use technology effectively to help students achieve high academic standards
- All students will have technology and information literacy skills
Objectives
- To provide students and teachers with relevant technology tools and appropriate training.
- To help all students develop the necessary proficiencies using relevant technology for life-long learning.
- To provide educational opportunities for the application of technology proficiencies that transcend the classroom.
The following plan has been developed to achieve these district goals and objectives:
The Lawrence Public School's technology plan identifies a process for integrating technology into the District's curriculum and learning experiences for each student. It includes a framework for development of a K-12 scope and sequence based on the identified exit technology proficiencies. Educators will embed these proficiencies into the on-going instructional planning and assessment. Evaluation of student attainment of exit technology proficiencies will be addressed as part of the classroom's daily instruction and assessment.
Process
The Curriculum Technology Committee has identified the following process for technology integration into the curriculum:
- Identify Graduation Exit Proficiencies. Use International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards to help develop proficiency chart
- Develop and administer a survey identifying proficiencies currently being addressed in required courses at the secondary level
- Identify proficiencies not being addressed
- Review and update existing K-8 grade scope and sequence information
- Review and update departmental scope and sequence information (art, media, journalism, business, etc.)
- Complete the technology integration component of the curriculum guide recommending the use of activities to assess the attainment of proficiencies at benchmark levels