How to Weave Technology into
Any Lesson You Teach
Donna Eustace
(This page was updated on 9/03/1999)
Technology-connected activities should be based on ideas and concepts you're already planning to teach. Technology enables the user to do things one could not do otherwise. Researchers are positing new ways of looking at learning that promote:
Discover what
The Wired Classroom looks like and the traits on Constructivism.Planning your Curriculum
Before You Begin...
Select software that supports a project-based classroom and the curriculum. In addition to using your own criteria to evaluate your software, look at sites such as T&L Online Searchable Software Reviews and Kathy Schrock. Also read journals such as Electronic Learning and Technology&Learning to see how others have reviewed the software. For an evaluation form see KDE. To check out information about instructional technology resources of all kinds (software, books, and videos), see California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse database.
Electronic encyclopedias and the Internet are great for giving students practice in locating, evaluating, and organizing information.
View Sites and Suggestions and WWW integration to see what others are doing.
Overview of the Lesson
What is the lesson, theme, or unit you are planning to teach? Pinpoint the major concepts or understandings you want to develop.
Select a topic that is developmentally appropriate, connected to your students’ interests, and central to your curriculum. See Steps to Develop assignment on Line. (step 4)
Develop curriculum pages on the school Web page which list and annotate good sources while providing suggested activities and directions for learning. Creating a web-based lesson Filamentality or TrackStar.
Creation of Lesson Modules
Objectives of the Lesson
What is the purpose of the lesson?
Questioning ToolkitWhat objectives will be meet?
The Question is the AnswerTechnology-connected lessons generally take longer to complete, so cover a variety of learning objectives.
From Now OnTechnology Connection
What part will technology play in the lesson?
Will you use electronic literature to introduce a theme or brainstorm a map to see what kids already know?
Will students find information in electronic encyclopedias, the Internet, or subject-specific CD-Rom?
Will
HyperStudio or Power Point be used to develop a multimedia slideshow?Procedures to Follow
What steps will you and your students take to meet the learning objectives?
Is this a whole group lesson or will kids work in small cooperative groups?
Assessment of the Lesson
The products that students create using technology require a variety of skills and call for alternative assessments. Try using rubrics such as The Effective Collaborator Rubric.
Look closely at the learning process-not just the product-and-develop checklists, rubrics, or anecdotal records for assessment, giving students feedback.
Involve students in developing assessment guidelines, so they know from the beginning what is required of them.
Use language kids will understand, and organize the assessment in manageable parts
Materials and Other Resources
What software and equipment do I need?
Is it available and working?
Should I borrow computers or other hardware from another class?
Is time available at the computer lab to complete the project?
Is the media specialist available to help?
Should I develop tip sheets for students to follow so they stay on task?
Final Touches
How much time will we need to complete the lesson?
Do I need to rearrange my classroom to make these activities work?
Are there technology skills my students and I should brush up on before tackling this project?
Have I implemented technology as part of the learning process?
Trouble-Shooting/Management Tips
Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum