Use of Technology in Education

SIMULATION

Grade Level:K-12 Teachers

Subject:Technology in the Classroom

Learner Outcomes:

Participants will know what an engaged learning experience is like from a student's perspective.
Participants will be able to effectively use technology to work on this project including:
- Use of online tools to communicate and collaborate with colleagues in other districts.
- Use of the Internet to find new and frequently updated information.
- Use of the Internet to communicate with experts or mentors.
- Publishing what they have learned to a wider audience than the course staff.
Participants wil be able to identify several important indicators of engaged learning and effective uses of technology from this simulation.

Authentic Student Task:

Participants will investigate one of the topics addressed in the newspaper headlines or a related topic of their choice. Collaboration with other participants and working as a small group will be needed in order to address all perspectives and have a broader understanding of the issue. Participants will present their answers and perspectives on the issue using online communication.

Hook:

Participants will be presented with headlines that address current problems with technology and education. Since they will be teaching a course that has to address these questions, they will feel compelled to have the questions answered in order to share with their participants and community leaders.

Student Direction:

The participants will select the topic they choose to investigate. They will group themselves by like topics and collaborate to share their data. They will select how they will investigate the topic, brainstorm questions of interest, and determine how the group will present their findings.

Best Use of Technology:

Participants will look for new and changing information on the Internet, and contact educators/experts in other school districts and communities to gain a deeper understanding of the issues. They will communicate using the online communication tools available to them and post their findings online to share with their colleagues in their district and other districts.