By: Donnell Wells

“While nobody will ever dispute the importance of a good education, meeting the needs of today's students has changed dramatically from what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Students today are exposed to a vast amount of information and technology early in their lives. Computers, electronic mail, long-distance learning, and the internet have changed the dynamics of education here in our region and throughout world.”

~ Congressman Jerry Moran , 1999

Wikipedia says technology “is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment.”

Types of tools used:◦ Computers◦ Cell phones◦ Printers◦ Projectors◦ Calculators◦ Cameras◦ Laser pointers

To this end, the newest release of National Educational Technology Standards for Students: The Next Generation by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, 2007) indicates that to learn effectively and live productively in an increasingly digital world, students should know and be able to use:◦ technology for creativity and innovation◦ communication and collaboration◦ research and information fluency◦ critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making ◦ digital citizenship◦ technology operations and concepts. 

Among activities in those standards, students should be able to: ◦ Create original works as a means of personal or group

expression. ◦ Use models and simulations to explore complex systems

and issues.◦ Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts or

others employing a variety of digital environments and media, including globally.

◦ Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

◦ Plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

◦ Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

◦ Troubleshoot systems and applications.

The National Forum on Education Statistics (2005), Forum Unified Education Technology Suite, says technology "is the incorporation of technology resources and technology-based practices into the daily routines, work, and management of schools" (Part 8).

Resources◦ computers and specialized software◦ network-based communication systems◦ other equipment and infrastructure

Practices ◦ collaborative work and communication◦ Internet-based research◦ remote access to instrumentation◦ network-based transmission and retrieval of data◦ other methods

Blogging Podcasting Wiki ideas Classroom performance systems Tablets Handhelds Video conferencing

YES!

Technology Use the entities, both material and

immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value

Knowledge of tools and crafts a collection of techniques the current state of

humanity's knowledge of how to combine resources to produce:◦ desired products◦ solve problems◦ fulfill needs◦ satisfy wants

includes technical methods, skills, processes, techniques, tools and raw materials

Technology Integration a term used by educators

to describe effective uses of technology by teachers and students in K-12and university classrooms.

support instruction in: ◦ language arts◦ social studies◦ Science◦ Math◦ other content areas

learners are empowered to be actively engaged in their learning.

educators are taking the constructivist approach to learning

Meaningful Learning (PPT) 50 ways to integrate technology [by Anne

Leftwich] (PPT) Technology Integration: Part 1 & Part 2

(Website Link) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology