Blog #6

Chapter 6 discusses the way we as teachers can integrate technology and other forms of digital media into our curriculum. Curriculum can be defined as the knowledge, skills, and performance standards students are expected to acquire in particular grade levels, or through sequences or clusters that are based on subject matter. It is often designed by a state or district-wide team of curriculum specialists along with other teachers, instructional leaders, and various experts. Many states implement Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) into their curriculum, giving teachers a set of guidelines to follow in order to ensure their students are on track. Technology integration is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware or software, together with a subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning.

The ASSURE Model is a procedural guide for planning and delivering instruction that integrates technologies and medias into the teaching process. It is well-known as a good guide for developing instructional lessons. The model suggests to first analyze the learner. Know the skill level and differences of your students. State the objectives for the student. When you have clear objectives, you better convey your expectations and its easier to acheive them. Select methods media and materials and Utilize those methods, media, and materials. Do you need extra equipment? Are you getting all you can get out of your equipment and lesson? Are your students benefiting in every way possible? To make this model work you must Require Learner Participation. And finally, evaluate and revise your lesson so that you can make necessary improvements.

I learned a lot from reading about the ASSURE model. Sometimes I think it may be difficult for teachers to realize ways they can use technology in their lessons, and if they are using it, it may be difficult to use it effectively and efficiently. Every week writing in these blogs really opens my mind to new and different things I can use in my classroom some day. Writing after I read renforces some of the highlights of the chapter, and more importnatly things I am going to need to remember.