5. Using Technology to Improve Schools and Learning

This technology-infused curriculum module provides a research & theoretical base for understanding the role of technology in driving, facilitating, and managing the educational change and improvement process. The module focuses on the importance of the school leader’s role in facilitating and nurturing the effective integration of technology as part of the district’s and school’s vision for continuous improvement and learning for all students. Candidates are presented with an overview of technology trends and their impact on developing a vision for educational technology that focuses on improving instruction and learning. Candidates determine how their educational vision embraces the skills required of 21st Century learners and examine the conditions that must be in place within schools and districts in order for technology to be successfully integrated. Candidates also examine ways that electronic communication can facilitate family and community engagement and strategic management of districts and schools.

Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of technology in enhancing and managing the learning process, and guiding appropriate research-based technology applications across the curriculum and professional development to improve instruction and address diverse student needs through technology integration. Candidates explore ways that technology-infused instruction can address and enhance student learning as measured by the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards (Standard 8).

Requirements for effective technology use are emphasized, i.e. professional competency, system capacity, accountability, and training and routine technology use by school leaders, staff, and students. Strategies for assessing school cultures and district/school support systems and resources are explored in preparation for the candidates’ development of comprehensive school technology plans aligned with school goals for student achievement. Successful models for technology integration are also investigated, including community partnerships and electronic collaborations.

Using Technology to Improve Schools and Learning I

Using Technology to Improve Schools and Learning II

Using Technology to Improve Schools and Learning III

Using Technology Assessment Module

Click on the link above to apply your module knowledge with a SLLA Sample Test

& remember to complete the NJEXCEL Module Instructor Evaluation too

Updates & Articles

I will update articles throughout the program. Enjoy!

Resources

1. Educational BLOGS. Futurist and ED Tech guru Ian Jukes warns us that we must not succumb to the age of infowhelm! So how do we keep up with emerging technologies? Subscribe (via "follow" on Twitter or through a RSS feed) to various educational blogs. Here are some of my favorites:

• Free Tech for Teachers The author Richard Byrne has a simple mission: share information about free resources that teachers can use in their classrooms. In the past five years, his blog has won scores of Edublog Awards including "Best Resource Sharing Blog." Plus he has sister sites that focus only on APPs!
• MindShift Launched in 2010 by KQED and NPR, MindShift explores the future of learning in all its dimensions, covering cultural and technology trends, innovations in education, groundbreaking research, education policy, and more. The editor is Tina Barseghian.
• David Pogue's Blog Post Former-NYT Times technology guru now writes for YAHOO! Tech
• The former Committed Sardine Blog was curated by Ian Jukes featuring daily stream of educational technology.
• Spotlight on Digital Learning Spotlight covers the intersections of technology and education, going behind the research to show how digital media is used in and out of classrooms to expand learning. Launched in 2009 as an independent publication covering MacArthur Foundation’s Digital Media and Learning Initiative, Spotlight has expanded to include coverage of people and projects in a wide variety of learning environments.
• EDsurge is pretty intense, but it has some great blog posts like this one: 5 Issues Every ‘Future Ready’ School Leader Must Address
• EDtech Magazine K-12 is also excellent. Here is one of their articles based on the new National Tech Plan (2016).
• Open Culture (Just Because it's fun!)

2. Edutopia The George Lucas Educational Foundation is dedicated to improving the K-12 learning process by documenting, disseminating, and advocating innovative, replicable, and evidence-based strategies that prepare students to thrive in their future education, careers, and adult lives. Edutopia is dedicated to transforming the learning process by helping educators implement these strategies: Comprehensive Assessment, Integrated Studies, Project-Based Learning, Social & Emotional Learning, Teacher Development, and Technology Integration.

3.Ed-Tech Magazines that are FREE for you to subscribe to including

• T.H.E. Journal This online magazine reports on all things educational technology
• eSchool News This magazine is printed and virtual (with weekly email blasts)
• Tech & Learning Although this is geared more towards ed-tech leaders, it is still interesting for curriculum/building leaders!

4. ASCD articles & Aria books

• 5 Myths About Classroom Technology: How do we integrate digital tools to truly enhance learning? Read a sample.
• A Better Approach to Mobile Devices: How do we maximize resources, promote equity, and support instructional goals? Read a sample.
• ASCD Magazine May 2015 : Teaching with Mobile Tech
• ASCD Magazine March 2013: Technology-Rich Learning

5. The National Education Technology Plan 2016