Technology Integration - Part 2

Current Technology Use in K-12

• Technology Use in K-12
• Our Changing Curriculum

To integrate technology into curriculum, one needs to understand both the technology and the curriculum. We have examined the forces acting to change K-12 curriculum. We know our curriculum is based on the Washington State standards and is being shaped by the WASL, NCLB, and school reform efforts.

Now, we need to understand some of the restraints on technology use in K-12 education.

In general, educational technology use divides into these categories:

• Application software
• Instructional software
• Simulations
• Peripherals: Cameras, probeware, scanners, projectors, etc.

Application software is used to create something such as a document or picture. Application software includes word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, browsers, and graphics software. Microsoft Word is a word processor that is classified as application software. Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet that is used to create dynamic budget sheets or graphs. Microsoft PowerPoint is presentation software used to create visual slide shows to accompany oral presentations. Adobe Photoshop is used to create or edit digital pictures. Note that all application software requires creative and active participation to create or edit a product (document).

Instructional software, such as Reader Rabbit, is designed to teach, tutor, or provide practice for some educational purposes. There is software that provides drill and practice for Mathematics problems ranging from counting to calculus. Instructional software includes problem solving software, reading instruction software, and educational games.

Simulations such as Oregon Trail attempt to simulate in a computer some aspect of reality. The Oregon Trail uses actual data gathered from historical sources and allows students to make the same sorts of decisions the actual travelers on the trail made day to day. Another example of a simulation is the virtual frog dissection available on the web and on CD-ROM.

Peripherals need a computer to connect to but greatly expand the potential for computer use. Digital cameras can be used for documenting science experiments, social studies characteristics, Mathematical concepts, or as support for expositional writing. Probeware is the name for sensors that can be connected to a computer and used in science classes to gather data such as temperature, acidity, acceleration, or sound.

Which of these uses holds the most promise for use in K-12?

The obvious choice looks to be instructional software. But it is the least used. Instructional software is expensive. It often does not address the Washington State GLEs directly. Often, there are not enough computers for a classroom of students to use the software.

Simulations can be excellent learning tools, but they suffer from the same drawbacks as instructional software: too costly, not directly addressing standards, and too few computers in schools.

That leaves application software and peripherals. Application software is not cheaper than instructional software, but virtually all computers in schools come with a basic set of word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Every one of these is a tool for creating or editing information. Every one of these requires some creative effort. Peripherals such as cameras and probeware are also tools for creating or gathering information. Though expensive, these can be shared very easily.

Even though instructional software holds great promise, at this time it is not the best use of technology in schools. Application software can be applied to any Washington State standard. It requires higher order thinking to produce documents. This means that application software fits well with all the other forces acting to push us up into higher order thinking.

The expense of technology will always be an issue in K-12 education. As computers become cheaper and more available in schools, new technologies such as handheld computers, wireless networking, and digital probeware will be too expensive until they, too, become “old” technology. Schools will always only be able to afford older technologies and have trouble purchasing the latest thing.

Next: Our Changing Curriculum