Reflection 2

Probably the most important item to look for in regards to instructional technology would be up-to-date technology used for thinking skills, communication, and creation of original presentations. I would definitely be assessing the use of technology. If it is only used for memorizing, drilling and learning facts, that would signal a school that is still teaching in a 20th century model. I would expect to see a variety of technology used for higher level skills, such as creating movies to teach lessons. A 21st century school should be able to use technology for testing the curriculum, and certainly for teaching and communicating the curriculum. The WAY technology is used would tell me as much as what was being used.

In order to prepare students to be lifelong learners in the world market of the 21st century, we need to include technology in the curriculum as well as make it a strategy for presenting the entire curriculum. It is no longer a skill that can wait until high school.

Basics needed for differentiated instruction are SMART Boards, document cameras and access to laptops (preferably 1-2-1). Textbooks and teaching materials all available in a digital form is a must. There may not be enough teachers to read every textbook to each student in need, but with a CD and headphones, students can individually hear the text, making learning accessible to each student. Interactive software that is not limited to drill and repetition is a good place to start. Access to online resources and programs would be another necessity.
There is so much to consider for instructional technology. I would not want to limit the technology but to open it up for students to use. I think collaboration tools are one of the most vital. I would use blogger and google docs along with a wiki (pbwiki or a wiki on our Moodle)and Skype as basics. Of course, there may be new ones soon! Students will probably be the ones to introduce it.

For presenting content, writeboard or skrbl, animoto, Glogster and Zoho show would be basics for teachers to use. I would use these in our own training to help staff become familiar with these. Voice thread is incredible and has amazing uses. One of the main values is in allowing students to use what works for them. Just as we, adult learners, prefer to choose our own platform, so too students need to be offered that opportunity. Work in various formats will provide teachers with more information for the teachers, about needed skills and improve student learning.

Since it is often very important for children with different abilities to receive explicit instruction in the new content, IT could offer a perfect venue for this in a way that would engage and interest students. In an article that came out today in THE Journal, Gail Lovely at FETC said that technology needs to trickle up, starting with the youngest students. (www.thejournal.com/articles/23898) She lists many of the tools our class has already suggested as being useful.

Just as there is not a "one size fits all" textbook or strategy, so technology needs to be matched to specific students and needs in order to be appropriate differentiation for each.