Chapter 3 of Wiske, Franz & Breit discusses the idea of using generative topics to enhance technology use in the curriculum (2005). When teaching for understanding we need to use topics that can be explored in detail, meet our curriculum standards and interest students (Wiske, et al., 2005). I try to find things that interest my students in relation to our prescribed curriculum and just go with it. We use the internet for research and other software for presentations and information organization. Thanks to easy internet access, I can do a lot more with my students than my mother ever could when she was a teacher. As long as we connect, use multiple teaching styles, deepen understanding of topics and open the lines of communication, we will be successful in the generative aspect of our learning (Wiske, et al., 2005)
Chapter 4 is essential for any technology integration in schools since it seems almost like common sense...have clear goals (Wiske, et al., 2005). If we set clear goals outlining how we expect to use technology in the curriculum, then we can avoid confusion and conflict. We have to do more than just put kids on the computer. We need to have valid reasons why we are doing it that apply to thier learning (Wiske, et al., 2005). We can use technology not as a novelty, but as a tool to extend our curriculum. Sometimes, I even learn from my students when it comes to using different tools in the classroom. It is always fun to watch how they choose to design presentations in my class.
Chapter 5 continues to outline the previous topics from the other chapters but includes the idea of using technology to aid performance assessment (Wiske, et al., 2005). Since I am relatively new to teaching, I learned from the beginning that there is more to learning than just a right or wrong answer. The process of working with information is much more important. We need to focus on growth, not just right and wrong. I try to incorporate as many activities as I can for the students to work with new information. This can range from a simple internet search to a Wiki project to powerpoints and other presentation software. I am learning to let the students take more of the lead in thier learning and technology makes that so much easier. The only thing that I need to constantly remind them is to not trust everything on the internet, which ties into a previous entry.
Reference
Wiske, M.S., Franz, K.R. & Breit (2005). Teaching for understanding with technology. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
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It is terrific that you have learned from experience in the classroom that a teacher needs clear goals as well as the need to create lessons for understanding instead of only focusing on facts. This is a lesson many need to learn. There is a balance with NCLB and our goals as teachers but if we focus on clear goals, generative topics, and the understandings of our students - our classrooms and instruction will be that much better.
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