The Next Level of Learning Looks Completely Different…
Simply integrating technology into existing instructional methods is an exchange of medium, but not an advance in method. For learning to progress, we need to transform the method. Technology has this potential.
Technology enables richer understanding and deeper learning beyond what current methods provide because technology lets students access amazingly precise and detailed data. In order to use technology to transform how students learn, an instructor must know the extent to which the tools and resources can help.
Technology should support student activities that are otherwise impossible.
Develop curriculum with the vast new set of learning opportunities in mind.
Curriculum Solutions…
Teachers need more than laptops to achieve the curricular objective of successful technology use. Imagination and time are essential factors to inspire creative instructional initiatives.
Once instructors are properly trained, they should feel well prepared and be well equipped to inspire or require some of the following activities during class time:
- Spontaneous research
- Stream of consciousness searching
- Evaluate reliability of various sources
- Take notes quickly and efficiently
- Peer mentoring using multimedia presentations
- Add slides and visuals to lectures
- Fuel excitement for learning
Benefits of e-Instructional Materials…
From the 2005 Software and Industry Association Survey Results of State Adoption of Electronic Instructional Materials.
- Engage students through multimedia, interactive and adaptive instructional content.
- Support differentiated or personalized learning for unique student learning styles, pace or needs.
- Keep knowledge current and information accurate.
- Support accountability by integrating assessment and classroom management tools.
- Expedite delivery of and access to information and increase portability.
- Enhance flexibility to meet evolving curriculum needs.
Digital Resource Results…
The white paper Effective Access: Teachers’ Use of Digital Resources in STEM Teaching addresses what educators can and are doing with digital resources. Content was found to be the determining factor that teachers use to plan technology integration into instruction. Teachers also report using digital content to align curriculum to state standards.
The following tables from the Effective Access report illustrate what has changed in teaching due to technology integration, and provide a glimpse into resources currently used to plan curriculum and instruction. 
The State Education Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Web site has an excellent list of curriculum integration strategies and ideas ( www.setda.org ).
