What were some of the factors that played a role in ensuring positive
results when technology was integrated in the classroom?
One factor I believe is essential is obviously the funding for technology. If you don't have the appropriate funding the maintenance and up keep would be difficult to keep up and maintain. I think the daily use of said technology would also be essential to ensuring results, as well as providing adequate training on how to use the technology in class (ex. palm pilots). Students would have to have restrictions and guidelines for appropriately use the technology.
What are ways that you can, in your own setting (or for those not currently
in a classroom, in your future setting), ensure that these factors are present
or absent? (Be specific to your situation; do not make general statements.)
I think in my setting my challenge would be the funding. Currently I have requested a smart board, which took a couple weeks for them to actually mount the smart board in my room. But now that it is mounted, it is still not functional because it is in need of the cords. Thus, I have a smart board that is not operational. Ways I could make a difference is continue to communicate with the TAG person at my school to fix that situation. I think
How would you go about evaluating the success of a unit, lesson, etc., that
involved the integration of new technology?
I would definitely use self-reflection as I do always, especially when trying a new approach. I might possible set up a survey for students to take online or possibly a poll for them to help rate what they felt was easy/hard about the new technology. If it were something they were experiencing one on one. (ipad, palm pilot, etc.) I think getting anonymous feedback from your students is always eye opening. It is also helpful in giving a different perspective on things.
Finally, what could you do to disseminate successes and failures to your
colleagues, administrators, and school board members?
I think a way to share success and failures with colleagues is to be open and transparent about the technology integration. I think sharing our inadequacy with each other, helps us all grow and have a better understanding. I think I might use the avenue of quick bullet points or helpful hints, that are setup in a way that would be an easy read for colleagues to read. I could also, present at a professional development meeting and showcase the successes and failures of the technology integration that had transpired.
