For the past two decades there has been a push to integrate technology into the classrooms and both scientific research and anecdotal evidence have shown the beneficial effects technology has on student learning (Oliver 2010). From spreadsheets and PowerPoint to more modern Web 2.0 tools, technology has been shown to increase student engagement, motivation, and learning. Therefore, “technology must become as common place in education as it is in other areas of society” (Roblyer & Doering 2010).
In my current classroom, teaching computer tech to middle school students, I get to utilize technology on a daily basis. However, not every class is so lucky. Therefore, one of my primary focuses this year has been to integrate my curriculum with the core subjects of math, science, social studies, and English. Since we are a smaller school, I have the benefit of seeing all the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students every day. Because of this, I am able to integrate my lessons with what the students are working on in their other classes.
Math Integration
For math class integration in my class, we mainly use Excel. We practice writing equations in spreadsheets, creating graphs, and analyzing data. Additionally, when the students were working on negative on positive numbers, we created number lines in Excel so they could better understand the concept. Also, there is a wealth of beneficial math games online which students are allowed to play if they have extra time after completing a project.
English Integration
We have also had one major project which brought the student’s English curriculum into my class. We spent two weeks discussing basic research techniques, learning how to use EBSCO, writing summaries and analyses, and learning how to write citations. At the end of all that, the students wrote a short research paper over a topic of their choice which counted as a grade in both computer and English class.
Social Studies Integration
For social studies class, we have completed two projects tying the curriculum to technology. Our first project was a timeline in Microsoft Excel. The students spent several days conducting research, finding images, and creating a historical timeline. Our second project was through Domo Animate. Again, the students began by conducting research – this time over a historical figure. After their research was complete they created a 4 minute animation about the life and historical importance of their person.
Science Integration
Finally, we have completed one project in my class which tied into the science curriculum. For this activity, students worked online at explorelearning.com and completed several virtual experiments. During the experiments, students collected data in Excel which they later graphed and analyzed.
In conclusion, integrating technology into a school’s curriculum is not only important, but imperative; especially if we are striving to teach our students how to become 21st century learners. As technology is not always available in every classroom, a good way to begin integration is by collaborating with the school’s computer technology teacher. By designing lesson plans in tandem, teachers of the core subjects can use technology tools even if they are not available within their class.
Resources:
Oliver, Kevin (2010). “Integrating Web 2.0 Across the Curriculum.” Tech Trends 54(2), 50-61.
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering Aaron. (2010) Integrating educational technology into teaching, 5th ed. Boston: Pearson
In my current classroom, teaching computer tech to middle school students, I get to utilize technology on a daily basis. However, not every class is so lucky. Therefore, one of my primary focuses this year has been to integrate my curriculum with the core subjects of math, science, social studies, and English. Since we are a smaller school, I have the benefit of seeing all the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students every day. Because of this, I am able to integrate my lessons with what the students are working on in their other classes.
Math Integration
For math class integration in my class, we mainly use Excel. We practice writing equations in spreadsheets, creating graphs, and analyzing data. Additionally, when the students were working on negative on positive numbers, we created number lines in Excel so they could better understand the concept. Also, there is a wealth of beneficial math games online which students are allowed to play if they have extra time after completing a project.
English Integration
We have also had one major project which brought the student’s English curriculum into my class. We spent two weeks discussing basic research techniques, learning how to use EBSCO, writing summaries and analyses, and learning how to write citations. At the end of all that, the students wrote a short research paper over a topic of their choice which counted as a grade in both computer and English class.
Social Studies Integration
For social studies class, we have completed two projects tying the curriculum to technology. Our first project was a timeline in Microsoft Excel. The students spent several days conducting research, finding images, and creating a historical timeline. Our second project was through Domo Animate. Again, the students began by conducting research – this time over a historical figure. After their research was complete they created a 4 minute animation about the life and historical importance of their person.
Science Integration
Finally, we have completed one project in my class which tied into the science curriculum. For this activity, students worked online at explorelearning.com and completed several virtual experiments. During the experiments, students collected data in Excel which they later graphed and analyzed.
In conclusion, integrating technology into a school’s curriculum is not only important, but imperative; especially if we are striving to teach our students how to become 21st century learners. As technology is not always available in every classroom, a good way to begin integration is by collaborating with the school’s computer technology teacher. By designing lesson plans in tandem, teachers of the core subjects can use technology tools even if they are not available within their class.
Resources:
Oliver, Kevin (2010). “Integrating Web 2.0 Across the Curriculum.” Tech Trends 54(2), 50-61.
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering Aaron. (2010) Integrating educational technology into teaching, 5th ed. Boston: Pearson