What are some important best practices for technology in education?

Technology in the classroom is great way for teachers to make learning a fun task for their students. Teachers who use technology in their classroom are getting their students to use their cognitive and creative skills. Teachers that use technology in the classroom should connect it to their lesson plan and curriculum. Technology in the classroom has different practices in relationship to education.  Some best practices for using technology in the classroom that I found to be very interesting are alignment, accessibility, assessment, and reinforcement.

Technology in the classroom should be aligned with the learning objectives of the lesson. Technology can be seen as very nice and flashy for students. But, teachers need to make sure that the technology is being used for a purpose in order to enhance the students learning. The teacher needs to choose the technology that goes well with their educational goals as a teacher and the students. Teachers should make sure their technology tool being used in the classroom fits well with the major concepts of the subject matter.

Technology in the classroom needs to be accessible for all the students.  Some students may not have access to the technology of your choice. The teacher will have to take into consideration this when deciding on the technology tool. Most importantly, teachers need to be able to access the technology and know how to use it as well. Also, teachers have to provide their students with direction when dealing with technology being used in the classroom. Teachers should remind their students of their learning objectives throughout the lesson.

Lastly, teachers should always reinforce their teaching through their technology. Technology should always be integrated meaningfully into the curriculum and instruction. This can positively impact the students learning and achievement. It is just a matter of matching the most effective technology tool in the classroom. These practices are a great way to start using technology in the classroom.  

Here are three live links that are related to this topic:

http://www.sun-associates.com/tlresources.html

http://www.cidde.pitt.edu/ta-handbook/teaching-technology-1

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6917