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Teachers have the opportunity and the obligation to lead the much needed reform of the current educational system in this country. Technology will play a big part in that reform. It is not the availability of technology that will make the difference. It is the teachers' effective use of the technology that will make the difference. The teacher is the most important ingredient for success when using technology.
Many of the techniques presented in this article originate from the Technology Integration Project (TIP), a program for high school math and science teachers funded by Eisenhower grants. There are many issues concerning the implementation of technology in education. We will attempt to present the "tip" of the iceberg concerning the whys and hows of using technology in the classroom. The use of specific pieces of software will not be discussed in detail because software changes so rapidly that the usefulness of the information will soon be outdated. It is important that you learn how to choose, implement, and integrate software.
This article is divided into five sections that address these issues. First, why use technology? Second, types of computer software. Third, how to effectively select software. Fourth, software integration strategies. Finally, how to effectively plan lessons integrating the chosen software and integration strategy.
WHY USE TECHNOLOGY?
Your major role as a teacher is to facilitate learning. This is done either by directly giving students information or helping the students to find information for themselves. Current learning theories stress the role of the teacher as a facilitator helping students to create their own knowledge (Newby, Stepich, Lehman, & Russell, 1999; Driscoll, 2000). Technology can provide students with opportunities to discover and create knowledge thereby permitting the teacher to take on the role of facilitator. However, the direct dissemination of information is often necessary and appropriate. It is your job to figure out which approach is best for each lesson (or part of a lesson). It is also up to you to determine which tools you will use.
Technology can be a very effective tool when used properly. Computer software should not be used for the sake of using computers in the classroom. Just like a piece of chalk and an overhead projector are tools for teaching and...