The US Department of Education released the finalized national education technology plan last week. The plan, titled "Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology," presents a model with key goals in five areas: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure and productivity. This is the first of a five-part series focusing on each of the goals and how they can translate to your classroom.
Learning – Use these tips to better the experience for your students:
- Know your students – Teach to them based on their ability to learn. What backgrounds are they coming from? Do they have a short attention span? Do they have special needs? Are they able to work together in groups? Think about the technology you have available to teach to these needs.
- Know your content – Research the subject matter and the standards you need to meet. If you expect your students to learn, you need to be the expert on what you’re teaching. Gear your curriculum around your professional development goals to ensure success for you and your students.
- Know the materials - Take inventory of what you need to teach successfully and do your best to get a wide variety of resources to aid your teaching. Do you need guest speakers? Can you gain from teacher mentors? What new technology can you incorporate so you learn something new, too?
How will reviewing these areas change the way your classroom is currently? Focus on changing the learning process and engaging your students. Next week we’ll discuss assessment.
P.D. Tips courtesy of Atomic Learning
