Connecting Technology

with Learning: Multimedia and

Emerging Technologies in the Classroom

Donna M. NealLearning in the Digital Age August 9, 2011

Current Research Studies states

that technology should promote:

• access of technology and educationally related programs.

• easier adaptation of technology into a variety of learning environments from school to home.

• easier use of high interest in any environment.• the use of the technology within the regular

classroom or learning environment.• adults to use meaningful student-use of

technology.• familiar usage of technology with

different student populations.

continued:

• involvement of administrators and teachers in a plan and accomplishment of educational technology.

• instruction that cannot be easily accomplished without the technology.

• guidelines for teachers on how and when to incorporate the technology into instruction.

• enhancement of the curriculum.• integration into the current and

emerging curriculum standards and guidelines.

Multimedia and emerging technologies impacts the students because: • it increases the students collaboration on projects. • it increase mastery skills to prepare them for the

working field. • it helps prepare students to become a 21st century learner as they use problem solving

concepts. • it improves problem solving skills of all types of

learners such as visual, kinesthetic, auditoria, etc. • it improves writing skills and attitudes about writing for ESE, and ESOL students.

continued:

• it increases performance when activity is well-known.

• it increased opportunities for interactivity with instructional programs.

• it is more effective with multiple technologies like computers, videos, telecommunications, etc. . .

• it improves the student’s attitude and confidence, especially for "at risk" students.

• it provides instructional opportunities otherwise not available. • it can increase opportunities for student-constructed learning.

Incorporating multimedia in current curriculum can assist with: • opportunities to use multiple technologies.• built in procedures and assessments to match

the technology resources with the learner needs.

• field testing of technology-based resources with

a mixture of students in an assortment of settings.

• involving the development of educational technology programs.• aligning it with the new curriculum and the existing instructional resources.

continued:

• adjusting the task difficulty in relation to the students’ responses.

• instant feedback of accuracy of responses.• easier use by students and teachers.• sustaining the interest of students.• imitations of different tasks that are not

possible in book forms.• pacing the educational programming of the

students. • opportunities for individualized problem solving.

Technology outcomes for educators can:

• be less direct and more student-centered teaching.

• increase importance on individualized instruction.• provide more time to engage teachers to advise

their students.• increase interest in teaching.• interest in experimenting with emerging

technology.• provide better preferences for multiple technology utilization.• increase administrator and teacher productivity.

continued:

• increase planning and collaboration with coworkers.

• help with rethinking and revision of the curriculum and instructional strategies.

• provide a greater participation in the district and schools.

• bring in business partnerships so they can help support our schools in technology.

• increase education involvement with communities.• increase teacher and administrator communication with parents.

Types of technology available for educators:

• Whiteboards• PowerPoint• iPods• Touchpad• Educational software• Free downloads for

teachers• Clickers• Audio Enhancement System• ePortfolio• eBooks • Digital Cameras• Laser printers

continued:

• Document Camera/Elmo• Promethean ActivBoard• LCD Projectors • Animoto Videos• Integrate Whiteboards• Black-Board Access• Smart Boards• More desktop computers• Blogs• Online Chat• Webcams• Audio Editor and Recorders,

etc. . .

References

• American Association of School Librarians: a division of American Library Association. (2010). AASA/ALA: Standards for the 21st –Century Learner. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstanda

rds/standards.cfm• International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). ISTE/NETS for

teachers. Retrieved April 11, 2010, from http://www.iste.org/content/navigationmenu/nets/forteachers/2008standards

/netsforteachers2008.htm• Sivin-Kachala, Jay and Bialo, Ellen. (1994). Report on the Effectiveness of

Technology in Schools, 1990-1994. Washington D.C.: Software Publishers Association, 1730 M Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20036.

• Smaldino, S. E., & Lowther, D. L. (2007). Instructional technology and media for learning (9th ed.). Upper Sadel River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. ISBN-13: 978-0132391740