3 Tips on Integrating Technology in the Classroom

The article states that integrating technology into the classroom is not a one step process.  According to Bob Wise, President of the Alliance for Excellent Education, "You can't just slap a netbook (computer) on top of a textbook and say "Great, now we have have technology."  The article goes on to talk about the First Annual Digital Learning Day that was held on February 1, 2012.   The purpose of the day was to celebrate K-12 instructors that have successfully brought technology into their classrooms.  Educators, students, librarians, parents and community members were invited to learn about classroom innovations and get new ideas. 
According to the article, "good teaching, especially the kind that involves working with evolving technologies sometimes requires good advice.  Three main points were:
1. Plan Ahead:
The teacher must develop their own personal goals of how to incorporate technology into the classroom.  Goals should include the three "T's"; how can teaching be improved, what technology will be used, and how time will be used more efficiently.
2. Try Something New
Search resources for lesson plans that use technology.  Animoto was mentioned as one tool, it allows students to create and upload videos.  One idea discussed was "flipped classrooms".  Students watch/listen to teacher recorded lectures at home and use class time to work on projects.  This enables the teacher to become more involved with the students. 
3. Become an Educational Designer
Technology allows teachers to "design" their curriculum by choosing and developing the kinds of content their students access and the technologies their students use.  Technology can be used to show students assessments quickly so that teachers can identify their student understanding and provide assistance to struggling students.
I agree with the advice given in the article in that incorporating technology isn't simply putting students in front of a computer.  To use technology successfully in the classroom you need to plan ahead but you also need a list of resources.  I like that the school district provided a Digital Learning Day for their staff and students.  I think all school districts should include a technology as part of professional development days.
   
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2012/01/25/3-tips-on-integrating-technology-in-the-classroom