Why it matters to integrate technology across the curriculum

Integrating technology into the curriculum has o be a priority for a number of reasons. The first, and most important, I believe, is because it engages the students. There are, of course numerous effective teaching strategies that should be used in the classroom, but let's face it, our students prefer to learn with the help of digital tools. I always feel as though my students are on task, happy, and motivated when they're in the midst of a laptop or an mp3 player. Who wouldn't be? Children don't want to learn via pencil and paper anymore...that's sooo 20th century! Introducing teachers to tools and gadgets that students use and are accustomed to will be an integral part of this transition. I feel very strongly that schools do a poor job of teaching students to use technology responsibly. Instead, it seems that schools don't want to be held liable, so they "eliminate" the problem, by banning the very technology that students crave. Making sure that teachers understand how to monitor student activity and giving them the means to do so is vital to making sure students remain on task and understand that there are consequences for their failure to use technology with integrity.
The second priority in terms of integrating technology into school curricula is utilizing it to help teachers connect with one another. Time is so precious, so let's speed things up. Let's make collaborating easy and more convenient by giving teachers a handful of options and tools.
The only way that the above tasks could be accomplished is to establish effective professional development. Well planned and relevant to learning, spearheaded by our very own staff, professional development is a time for teachers to make the most out of learning. Putting staff into small groups and introducing them to synchronous and asynchronous chat tools is something that I would do. This would require planning between administration, technology, and teacher leaders in the building. Guides and follow-up will be needed for teachers so that they can navigate around the tools they use. Support is vital to the success of planning that isn't done face to face.

As a school leader, I would hope that I could provide each child with a computer of their own. One might think that having 1 computer forevery 2-3 kids is enough, but I don't believe that's the case. Every one of our 21st century learners craves to have their own creative digital independence. All of my classrooms would have interactice white boards and teachers would be expected to use them for more than whiteboard useage. Have an instructional technology specialist in our building to help teachers build or use interactive lessons would be vital. This could be done once the teacher have a clear expectation of the utilization of the NETS standards.

I found a great website that houses hundreds of ideas for technology integration across all curricula, grades K through 12. Check out http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/bstpract/