The application of technology — either hardware or software — is very individualized. Certainly there should be certain minimum standards set by the local district. At my school we have decided upon Macbooks and LCD projectors. Additionally, we require electronic communication with students and parents as well as internal staff communication. Beyond that lesson plans and other documents and procedural forms are digital.
That having been said, I always look for better ways to use what the students already understand about technology to help them express what they understand. Challenging my students at all levels to generate learning objects that will endure is my next best thing.
I agree with your most important point. Reflection and evaluation are so important in any integration plan. I think the issue comes in when schools have a “Use or Lose” situation with funding. Technology and instructional strategies come and go so quickly, I am sure instructors struggle just to keep up. All you can do is pace yourself and do the best that you can do with what you are given and how often you receive it. Personally, I would rather have staff learn to utilize some technology well than try to learn and use a lot of technology ineffectively.
I agree. It is better to become proficient in a few tools rather than fumbling your way through several dozen. This is where colleagues can help. I have found that the opportunity I have to bounce ideas off of the teachers in my department is a very valuable resource. Collegial discussions are not to be overlooked.
My school has time built into the schedule that allows for this kind of sharing. Many schools do not have this chance to bounce ideas off of each other so easily, they have to be more creative about it.
Ozolnieks 
Hi Matt,
How will you go about integrating technology more deeply into teaching and learning to achieve your next best thing?
Doc
The application of technology — either hardware or software — is very individualized. Certainly there should be certain minimum standards set by the local district. At my school we have decided upon Macbooks and LCD projectors. Additionally, we require electronic communication with students and parents as well as internal staff communication. Beyond that lesson plans and other documents and procedural forms are digital.
That having been said, I always look for better ways to use what the students already understand about technology to help them express what they understand. Challenging my students at all levels to generate learning objects that will endure is my next best thing.
Hello Matt,
I agree with your most important point. Reflection and evaluation are so important in any integration plan. I think the issue comes in when schools have a “Use or Lose” situation with funding. Technology and instructional strategies come and go so quickly, I am sure instructors struggle just to keep up. All you can do is pace yourself and do the best that you can do with what you are given and how often you receive it. Personally, I would rather have staff learn to utilize some technology well than try to learn and use a lot of technology ineffectively.
Mary,
I agree. It is better to become proficient in a few tools rather than fumbling your way through several dozen. This is where colleagues can help. I have found that the opportunity I have to bounce ideas off of the teachers in my department is a very valuable resource. Collegial discussions are not to be overlooked.
My school has time built into the schedule that allows for this kind of sharing. Many schools do not have this chance to bounce ideas off of each other so easily, they have to be more creative about it.
Matt