Week+4+update

The MCREL Technology Initiative is a nationwide technology intervention program designed to support schools in their effort to integrate technology into the classroom. They found that schools lack appropriate guidance, resources, and professional development with regard to technology. In an effort to provide schools with a solution, they instituted a comprehensive, research-based model for professional development. Schools that were helped by MCREL reported greater teacher comfort when using technology, and students were more motivated in class. As schools decide to implement components of the MCREL program, teachers will be able to differentiate instruction easier, and students will be able to have deeper learning. Cooperative learning lends itself nicely to technology integration. Often, projects require more than one person to complete, so group learning is ideal. Tools such as epals.com enable students to collaborate with others outside their classroom, and web quests provide students with the opportunity to find information using technology and then use that information to reach a common goal. While cooperative learning is beneficial, it does not make all students learn the same way. For this reason, teachers should not give the same assessment to every student. Some students might be able to prove mastery through telling a story. Others may wish to show knowledge through a digital presentation. Professional development for teachers is paramount when integrating technology into the classroom. Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs, and podcasts, break down barriers to professional development. Costs and time constraints are no longer issues. Teachers are able to drive their own learning, and can collaborate deeply with other teachers as well.