When it comes to technology, many schools know what they want. They want targeted and scalable solutions that enhance learning and meet the NETS.S. And the teachers in those schools want simple, strategic instructional frameworks for developing their students' basic and digital age skills while meeting diverse learning needs. But as many…

A widespread irony in education is that many districts look at technology only in relation to what the students need. As a result, they often neglect to provide teachers with technology-based learning, even though they expect them to support their students with instructional technology. And when they do offer professional development (PD), they…

Good learning experiences ask students to investigate and make sense of the world. While there are many ways to do this, K-12 curriculum has traditionally skewed toward reading and writing to interpret and express students' sense-making. But there is another way. Infographics represent data and ideas visually, in pictures, engaging more parts of…

Examines ways to integrate technology into social studies, science, mathematics, and language arts. Describes model elementary and middle-school classrooms in which technology is used to investigate the concept of property, study soil porosity and the water cycle, run a student store, and promote environmental activism. (PEN)

Discusses the use of technology to enhance student learning based on learning processes. Topics include knowledge chunks, assimilation and repetition, cognitive schema, Bloom's Taxonomy, students manipulating the learning environment, student productivity, and checkpoints for evaluating technology utilization. (LRW)

The Center for Technology and Teacher Education at the University of Virginia developed "Kids an Cookies" a free Flash-based materials and software applications to help prepare teachers to use technology to enhance and extend their students' learning of school subjects. Presents the mathematics team set of guidelines to shape the…

Examines schools' current methods of technology planning and suggests that rather than making shopping lists of equipment, they should focus on long-range developing plans for using technology. Highlights include moving away from computer labs and embedding technology into the curriculum, and focusing on information and communication rather than…

Presents a small group activity that helps elementary students explore volume as part of the math curriculum. Collecting data through hands-on experimentation; analyzing the data; and using graphs and graphing software to further understanding are discussed. (LRW)

Describes Generation www.Y (Gen Y), a program that trains technology-savvy students to help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons. Discusses how Gen Y works; benefits for students and teachers; and how Gen Y is funded. One table lists differences between the traditional way of infusing technology and the Gen Y way. The two student…

New technologies often assume the form of prior traditions during their infancy. For example, filmed plays known as photoplays were initially produced prior to the development of modern cinema conventions. Similarly, printed books at first assumed many of the characteristics of hand-lettered manuscripts.

Provides a model for task computing for fifth graders that meets educational technology goals and challenges students to take full advantage of available hardware and software. Highlights include task rotation; assessment; benefits, including integrating technology into the classroom, computer literacy skills, peer tutoring, cooperative learning,…

Considers five distinct issues that must be addressed in order to integrate technology into schools and plan for it effectively: infrastructure, including the National Information Infrastructure; professional development for teachers; content and software, including cost effectiveness; equity and access; and financing. (LRW)

Discusses answers to four questions school districts should consider in assessing technology's contributions to education: How should students learn technology skills? Should technology-enhanced learning replace paper-and-pencil knowledge? Will appropriate student use of technology lead to higher test scores? How do we obtain or produce teachers…

Describes a collaborative project involving third and fifth graders that focused on integrating computer technology into the earth science curriculum. Electronic research, telecommunications, science software, and an interdisciplinary approach are discussed; and a list of classroom resources and three worksheets are included. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of technology to improve student learning focuses on the need for professional competency and describes the Professional Competence Continuum (PCC) which includes core technology skills; curriculum, learning and assessment; professional practice; classroom and instructional management; and administrative competencies. (LRW)