Creating a Purpose for the Project

It can be easy for some teachers to view the integration of technology into their classrooms as an "add on" or a fad. After all, can the reality live up to the hype? Many teachers have seen educational trends come and go, while the basics always seem to be just that - basic. A skeptic can reasonably wonder if there is any substance behind technology's flash. Could tech integration really be the miracle pill that some proponents seem to imply it is?

I think that these reservations are entirely reasonable. In fact, while I am strongly in favor of integrating technology into the classroom, I believe that those who question its purpose and relevance can ultimately play an important role in making technology integration more effective (assuming, that is, that the critics are ultimately interested in the quality of education and are not simply operating from "tech-phobia" or simple resistance to change).

My purpose in creating this blog and its accompanying handbook is to explore the many factors that are involved in effectively integrating technology as a part of the elementary classroom. Specifically, I intend to focus on using technology to improve expressive communication skills, including spoken, written, and visual communication. As I mentioned in my previous post, I hope to create a usable resource for classroom teachers. I also am hopeful to engage in some on-line dialogue about the factors that support and inhibit the use of technology.

I have felt some hesitancy in getting started on this process. Perhaps because I know that I don't have all (or even most) of the answers to such a big topic. Then it hit me: the beauty of the blog format and digital communication in general is the use of collaboration. I can make a post, but that doesn't make it the final word. In fact, any comments just add to the thinking. So here goes!

A start

Let me take a moment in this, my first blog post, to introduce myself and set a course for this blog. I am currently a fourth grade teacher in Watertown, Massachusetts. I've been teaching in this grade for the past three years (I finally feel like I'm getting the hang of 9 and 10 year olds!). Each year, I've worked to integrate technology deeper into my instruction. I think that there is an intrinsic motivating factor for kids using technology to learn. They forget that they are working - and the end results are often much more impressive than what they might have developed originally. Plus, as a bit of a tech junkie myself, I get excited about the lesson, too!

I am also currently a student at Cambridge College, working on a master's degree in elementary education. As part of this program, I must complete an Independent Learning Project (ILP) that includes research and completion of a professional project. I have chosen to learn about ways to effectively integrate technology to enhance student's expressive communication. The new world of web 2.0 make so many things possible that many of hadn't considered even a few years ago. It seems as though the possibilities are nearly endless. In bringing my project to completion, it feels natural to me to create an on-line component. After all, if I'm touting the virtues of interactive technologies for the classroom, shouldn't I put my money where my mouth is and put my work on-line?

In the coming weeks, I plan to explore and discuss some guiding principles of technology integration, identify specific technology tools that can support the development of communication skills, and produce lesson plans for integrating those technologies. I look forward to sharing my ideas and learning more in the process.