Strategies for Technology Integration Grades 6-12

Best Practices for integrating technology in grades 6-12 vary according to individual needs and abilities of students as well as applications appropriate for the subject matter being taught. However, there is one factor that is common to all grades and subjects: technology integration should emphasize meaningful study with real-life applications.

The National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) apply the same types of technology skills to both middle grades and high school students. Skills are generally introduced and incorporated in grades 6-8 with the high school curriculum expanding and fine-tuning these skills. Technology integration in secondary education centers more around the curricular disciplines than grade level. Best practices, or expert recommendations, for technology integration into the secondary curriculum include:

Teacher resources

All links open in new windows.

• Good Models of Teaching with Technology: http://knowledgeloom.org/gmott/index.jsp
• Georgia Learning Connection: http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/search/
• Upper elementary web lessons
• Webteacher: learn all about the web and how to use it
• Marco Polo: Internet Content for the Classroom
  • a tour of the partners
• The Gateway: one-stop shopping for all the possible education links
  • includes Teacher Tools: puzzlemaker, lesson planner, worksheet generator, and more
• The Alphabet Superhighway!
• Track Star: You've got to see this site to believe it!!!
• Explorer -- science and math lessons
• Scholastic Teacher Network

• Graphing Calculators: serves as computational tool; aids in accurate graphing; aids in understanding mathematical relationships
• Geometer’s Sketchpad: used to visualize geometric concepts, angles
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS): used in visualizing measurement
• Problem-solving software: Python teaches basic computer programming
• Derive - aids algebra students in solving problems through math manipulatives

Websites:

• Math Forum (http://mathforum.com) aids students in solving mathematical problems; allows students to contact experts for assistance
• PBS Mathline ( http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/math.htm) lesson plans
• Texas Instruments: HYPERLINK(http://www.ti.com/calc/docs/resource.htm)
  lesson plans for use with calculators

• Stuggle for Survival – role playing of scientists studying the
  environment in the Galapagos
• Decisions, Decisions – role playing, environmental issues
• Scientific Models: Model-It software – students make qualitative models comparing cause-and-effect data
• Biology Online - activities for Biology students
• Physics Online – activities for Physics students
• Probeware: software tool used in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data

• WebQuests: students research other cultures, global issues
• Online and database research: research people, places, events
• Compare primary and secondary documents
• Genealogy
• Timeliner: software aiding in creation of sequential timelines
• Email: collaboration with students in another state or country

Websites:

• U.S. Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov
• National Geographic Society: http://www.nationalgeographic.com
  Biographies: http://www.amillionlives.com
  Online atlases : http://www.lineone.net/discovery/places/nations

• Word processing programs: writing, revising work; teaches students how to make charts, graphs, use spell check and thesaurus
• Production tools: PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher – creating multimedia presentations, brochures, newsletters, etc.
• HTML Editors: supports creation of web pages
• Peripherals: scanners, digital cameras – used in document production
• Reading Comprehension Practice: Middle schools – Accelerated Reader, High schools – Reading Counts
• Electronic Outliners: note-taking skills
• Online databases: aid students in researching, evaluating, and organizing information
• Email – communication skills

• Word processing programs: computer settings can be adjusted for other languages; symbols can be inserted in words for emphasis
• Desktop dictionaries: enable students to look up unfamiliar words
• Screen readers: enable students to hear text as it is being read for correct pronounciation

• E-books: aid in developing reading/listening skills; reading support
• Remediation software: drill and practice
• Inspiration: aids in organizing thoughts for writing assignments
• Personal organizers: study skills, reminders of assignments
• Screen readers: tool that reads on-screen text for visually impaired or ESOL students who need to hear and see concurrently
• OCR software: converts material scanned into a computer into text that can be manipulated
• Screen magnification tools: enlarge on-screen print for partially sighted
• Assistive listening devices: amplify teacher’s voice for hearing impaired.
• Gifted and Talented students:
  • Database research
  • Multimedia presentations
  • Interactive online programs
  • Distance learning

Websites: homework assistance

• High School Hub: www.highschoolhub.org
  Study Web: www.studyweb.com