Integrating technology into the curriculum:
General course information

Purpose:

  1. To develop an understanding of the role that technology can play in learning and teaching.
  2. To develop the skills needed to use and create learning activities that make effective use of technology in education.
  3. To explore and examine the tools and resources available to teachers to effectively integrate technology in the classroom.
  4. To allow teachers to contribute to professional knowledge about the effective use of technology in education.

Prerequisite skills and requirements:

Course participants must:

  1. be able to access their email accounts and the Internet on a daily basis.
  2. be able to effectively search the Internet.
  3. be familiar with spreadsheets and databases.
  4. be confident in using computers and willing to explore old and new applications.
  5. have knowledge of the Program of Studies for their teaching area.

The focus of the course:

This course will focus on the use of computers in the classroom to promote critical thinking in students. Unique features of computer technology and how these features can be used to develop creative thinking, complex thinking, and critical thinking skills will be examined. Generic applications such as the Internet, spreadsheets, databases, concept mapping tools, etc., that can be used in education will be discussed and demonstrated.

Participants taking this course will:

  1. Understand the role of technology as articulated in the Alberta Program of Studies.
  2. Be aware of research about the impact of technology on learning and teaching and will be able to identify areas that require further research.
  3. Establish personal principles of ethical computer use.
  4. Recognize ways in which their students' experiences with the writing process can be enhanced by using technology.
  5. Understand that technology has had a significant impact in mathematics and that technology can be used to perform repetitive and/or complex numeric calculations and symbolic manipulations as well as to display and manipulate information graphically in ways that allow complex patterns to be identified.
  6. Be able to help their students gain familiarity with various methods of gathering and organizing information.
  7. Understand that electronic communication can be used as a method of building community by expanding the variety of audiences and purposes for communication.
  8. Understand the role and impact of tools and technologies on human culture, history, economics and development.
  9. Be able to plan student-centered learning activities and use instructional methods involving technology.
  10. Understand the importance of allowing students to use technology during assessment activities.
  11. Gain specific technological skills in various areas to support student learning.
  12. Gain knowledge to explore the effective use of technology in education through activities such as reviewing new software, hardware and resources, conducting action research, and participating in collaborative projects with other teachers.
  13. Be able to share her/his insights about the effective use of technology in education through activities such as mentoring others, contributing to professional publications, Web sites and online conferences, and facilitating the professional development of others.

The ISTE has also outlined National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers that can be found at http://cnets.iste.org/TeacherStandards.html.