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Educational Technology

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Millennials (millennial generation, Generation Y) is the phrase used to generally describe a person who reached adulthood in the early 21st century and covers the generation of people born between 1980 and 2000.

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Technology Integration Lesson Planning Process

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Technology Integration Lesson Planning Process

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When designing computer-based activities, give consideration to how technology can be used to acquire, organize, demonstrate, and communicate information. The planning process for technology integration is similar to planning a curriculum unit

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Technology integration is an important way to create meaningful learning experiences. Lesson planning for teachers can be overwhelming when incorporating the use of computers in activities. In this article, the process for integrating technology is outlined in four easy steps.

Technology Integration Lesson Planning Process

When designing computer-based activities, give consideration to how technology can be used to acquire, organize, demonstrate, and communicate information. The planning process for technology integration is similar to planning a curriculum unit. The main differences are HOW the students acquire the knowledge and skills, HOW they demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills, and HOW learning will be assessed or evaluated. These differences have a major influence on the structure of a lesson plan as they incorporate the use of the computer.

In addition to the skills and knowledge that must be taught as part of the curriculum, consideration must also be given to the technology skills students need to learn. Often teachers assume that the students will figure it out on their own. However, this can waste instructional time. It is a good idea to plan ahead, so that the time in the computer lab is well spent.

Step 1: Examine Curriculum Documents

select the topic

identify learning objectives within a subject

Step 2: Determine Knowledge and Skills

determine students' background knowledge and existing technology skills

decide how students will acquire new knowledge and skills

gather resources required to achieve instructional goals

Step 3: Select a Technology Product to Apply Learning

choose a technology-based product for students to create

outline the content it will contain

select the software program(s) needed

list the technology skills required to complete the task

Step 4: Select a Method of Assessment and Criteria for Evaluation

determine the method of assessment

set the criteria to evaluate the technology product with a focus upon content,
quality of information, layout and design, and technology skills demonstrated

Technology Integration Sample: Lesson Planning for Teachers

Imagine you are planning an endangered species unit.

Step 1 Examine Curriculum Documents: As part of this unit, your students must investigate how animals have adapted to their environment and analyze the effects of human activities on habitats. You decide that you are going to integrate technology to achieve these aims.

Step 2 Determine Knowledge and Skills: One of your first considerations is what your students already know about the computer. They need to have basic computer skills. For example, they need to know how to use the keyboard and mouse, login to the computer, open and close programs, and save files. If your students do not possess these skills, you will need to teach them.

Another consideration is what your students know about endangered species and what they still need to learn. You may decide that in addition to books, your students will use the Internet to research. However, they may not have the skills to use the Internet. Perhaps students have never used a web browser or search engine. This means that you will need to teach these skills as well.

Step 3 Select a Technology Product: You decide your students will write a brief report about their animal using a word processing program. The report will include facts and pictures. Again, your students may not possess the technology skills necessary to complete this task, so you will need to teach them.

Step 4 Select a Method of Assessment and Criteria for Evaluation: Upon completion of the report, you will evaluate the work. Consider a method of assessment and criteria for evaluation. When selecting the criteria, decide if you plan to evaluate only the content and design of the report or if you will also include the application of technology skills.

Lesson planning for teachers involving technology integration can be simple. Planning ahead is the key to success.

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Technology Integration Lesson Planning for Teachers in 4 Easy Steps - TechnoKids Blog

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Technology integration is an important way to create meaningful learning experiences. Lesson planning for teachers can be overwhelming when incorporating the use of computers in activities. In this article, the process for integrating technology is outlined in four easy steps. When designing computer-based activities, give consideration to how technology can be used to acquire, organize, demonstrate, and communicate information.

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What Are the Advantages of Technology in Special Education?

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What Are the Advantages of Technology in Special Education?

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1. Increased independence.

2. Personalized learning.

3. Better connection with peers.

4. Reduced anxiety.

5. Easier communication.

6. Improved academic skills.

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University of Texas Permian Basin Online

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The National Center for Education Statistics says that about 13 percent, or 6.6 million, of all students in public schools received special education services in 2014-2015. Furthermore, NCES reports that more than 60 percent of students with disabilities spend at least 80 percent of their day in the general education classroom.

With more special education students in the general education classroom, the need for assistive technology to aid their learning by providing accommodations and differentiated instruction is crucial.

Assistive technology increases functional capabilities for people with disabilities and learning differences. For example, a cochlear implant helps a deaf person hear and a wheelchair helps a student get around. Modern operating systems often include settings to adapt the software based on the user's needs.

Students have different learning styles. Technology can adapt to those learning styles to deliver content in the way that works best for the student.

Special education students often rely on low- and no-tech items such as highlighters, organizers, pencil grips to position fingers correctly, raised paper with tactile cues to keep the child between the lines, timers to show how much time is left to mentally prepare a student for change, and magnetic sheets to hold words and pictures.

" Technology Helps Special Education Students Find Their Voice " shows how students can communicate and express themselves with technology. These are students with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and speech delays. Technology does more than accommodate students and level the playing field.

One common traditional teaching method uses handwritten text on paper and in worksheets and workbooks. Some students struggle to capture their thoughts on paper because they have poor handwriting skills or because they cannot hold a pen or pencil. Technology gives students extra support that traditional methods cannot provide.

Students with visual processing disorders may struggle with reading. Technology can read words out loud to help students who read along, matching the text with the audio recording. In a traditional classroom, the teacher teaches the students in the same way without considering individual learning preferences and differences. With technology, teachers can individualize learning and teach in smaller groups.

Other benefits of technologies include the following:

Increased independence.

Personalized learning.

Better connection with peers.

Reduced anxiety.

Easier communication.

Improved academic skills.

Here is an example from " How Special Education Technology Improves Learning." A teacher demonstrated how to use a tablet to a student with cerebral palsy who wasn't able to speak or write sentences. Then when the student received the device, she created sentences. No one would have known she could do that had it not been for the tablet. Needless to say, technology can provide teachers with insight into a student's cognitive abilities.

What Are the Drawbacks of Technology in Special Education?

One of the biggest drawbacks of technology use in special education involves cost. However, many teachers have found creative solutions. "' Bridging the Gap': Technology in Special Education " tells the story of a student with cerebral palsy who struggled to keep her place while reading. Her teacher solved the problem by procuring a used iPad and installing an app that would sound out text.

Another downside is the lack of teacher training. Not all technology is plug-and-play. Educators need training on how to make the most of technology and incorporate it into the classroom. Technology can create unrealistic expectations. It cannot cure learning issues, for instance. Educating parents and teachers can help manage expectations.

While technology in the classroom can prove valuable, educators need to watch for the "tech for tech's sake" trap. Unless the technology has restrictions and blocks in place, students can get distracted by playing with apps or browsing the internet. Teachers want to avoid using technology as a babysitter.

Many assistive technology options for education exist for children with disabilities and learning differences. Education World estimates more than 4,000 assistive technologies designed for use in education.

Here are some of the technologies often used in special education:

Communication boards: The student points to a picture, symbol, word, or letter on an electronic board or tablet.

Text-to-voice: Many operating systems have a setting that reads everything aloud. There are apps that can scan text and read it out loud.

Voice-recognition technology: Students who need keyboard alternatives can control their computer with speech.

Tablets: Students interact with apps and use them for reading, watching videos, visual learning, and text-to-speech tools.

Apps: Students can access content aligned with curriculum that will engage them in learning concepts.

Before deciding on which technology to use, research the available options. In reviewing options, consider the cost and how effective the technology will be when integrated in the classroom.

Also check with your state's vocational rehabilitation services' website to find out what support or technology your state may have for individuals with disabilities. Parents may not be aware of such resources.

Make a list of questions to help with the selection processes. Is it easy or hard to learn and use? How reliable is it? Does the tool have many uses or a single one? What are the technical support options? What kind of training will it require for teachers?

The purpose of technology is to help the student learn without barriers. Selecting the right technology entails making sure it meets the students' needs and aligns with curriculum outcomes.

Technology can reduce or eliminate barriers to learning for students in special education. It allows them to be more independent, keep up with their peers, gain self-confidence, and collaborate with classmates.
Learn more about the UTPB online Master of Arts in Special Education program.
Sources:
Education World: Assistive Technology in the Classroom - Helping Challenged Kids Get the Most From Learning EdSurge: 'Bridging the Gap': Technology in Special Education National Center for Education Statistics: Children and Youth With Disabilities ISTE: How Special Education Technology Improves Learning National Center for Education Statistics: Fast Facts - Inclusion of Students With Disabilities Frisco ISD: Technology Helps Special Education Students Find Their Voice Have a question or concern about this article? Please contact us.

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The Use of Technology in Special Education | UTPB Online

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The National Center for Education Statistics says that about 13 percent, or 6.6 million, of all students in public schools received special education services in 2014-2015. Furthermore, NCES reports that more than 60 percent of students with disabilities spend at least 80 percent of their day in the general education classroom.

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Team-based learning (TBL) is a structured form of small-group learning that emphasizes student preparation out of class and application of knowledge in class. Students are organized strategically into diverse teams of 5-7 students that work together throughout the class.

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What amazing progress we are seeing in our world of education! This is particularly true as we look at the impact of technology in the classroom on students with disabilities. We see an explosion of new instructional solutions in digitized text and mobile devices and new software applications increasing access to the general curriculum.

Through technology, new doors to learning are opening every day but we must integrate wise choices, instructionally relevant strategies, and individualized solutions into our decisions to achieve optimal educational impact.

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What amazing progress we are seeing in our world of education! This is particularly true as we look at the impact of technology in the classroom on students with disabilities. We see an explosion of new instructional solutions in digitized text and mobile devices and new software applications increasing access to the general curriculum.

Through technology, new doors to learning are opening every day but we must integrate wise choices, instructionally relevant strategies, and individualized solutions into our decisions to achieve optimal educational impact.

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What amazing progress we are seeing in our world of education! This is particularly true as we look at the impact of technology in the classroom on students with disabilities. We see an explosion of new instructional solutions in digitized text and mobile devices and new software applications increasing access to the general curriculum.

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Constructivism is a learning theory found in psychology which explains how people might acquire knowledge and learn. It therefore has direct application to education. The theory suggests that humans construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences.

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constructivism in english - Google Search

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Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem found in trigger material.

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Inquiry-based learning is an approach to learning that emphasizes the student's role in the learning process. Rather than the teacher telling students what they need to know, students are encouraged to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas

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math maths geometry algebra numbers data

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"Math is like ice cream, with more flavors than you can imagine—and if all your children ever do is textbook math, that's like feeding them broccoli-flavored ice cream".

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Learn how to do a Padlet, and carry on your SWOT analysis