Student Learning And Technology

How can teachers and schools ensure that their students are learning what they need when it comes to Technology and Information Literacy?

Very simple: make it a priority.

• Provide professional development opportunities for teachers. Opportunities should include programs like the CoETaiL classes as well as providing technology sessions during early release days and teacher work days.
• Have a strong tech department to work with teachers and motivate teachers to use technology in their class rooms. Once teachers discover how easy, fun, meaningful, and engaging technology can be; most wouldn’t want to teach any other way.
• Have it supported by the administration.
• Have sufficient resources to support technology in the classroom. Make sure there are enough lap tops, head phones, microphones, etc. Ensure that the internet really works and that it's fast enough to support technology programs and projects.
• In addition to having all teachers teach and utilize technology in their classrooms for student learning, schools should offer meaningful technology electives and computer class options for students. This is especially important for middle school and high school students. They need to have a chance to deeply explore specific aspects of technology. For example, the ISB Middle School offers Flash Animation and Video Production as extra technology electives, giving students a chance to become an “expert” in another aspect of technology.