Tech Integration Matrix from Florida - Videos Are Worth At Least 1000 Words

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/index.html - I came across this matrix and have to share it.  You may have seen similar tools but what I like about this one is the video examples of Levels of Technology Integration into the Curriculum and Characteristics of the Learning Environment and the fact that the video examples are from all levels and include examples from shared and 1:1 computer access. 

The examples are well done and I believe the matrix "keeps it simple" for readers/viewers.  Bravo to the Florida Center for Instructional Technology for sharing genuine lesson examples with teachers demonstrating various ways they use technology to support their curriculum.

Click on the examples to see the video examples.  The videos require QuickTime 7, a free plug-in from Apple.

I look forward to hearing what you think about this matrix.  I am sharing this so teachers can reflect on your personal level of integrating technology into your classroom and to offer good examples of what each level can look like.  Whether you are at an entry level of technology adoption or a master at transformational use of technology in your classroom, this matrix will support your professional learning.





Check out the videos and have a look at the matrix.  Enjoy!

		Levels of Technology Integration into the Curriculum
	Technology Integration Matrix	Entry The teacher uses technology to deliver curriculum content to students.	Adoption The teacher directs students in the conventional use of tool-based software. If such software is available, this level is the recommended.	Adaptation The teacher encourages adaptation of tool-based software by allowing students to select a tool and modify its use to accomplish the task at hand.	Infusion The teacher creates a learning environment that infuses the power of technology tools throughout the day across subject areas.	Transformation The teacher creates a rich learning environment in which students regularly engage in activities that would have been impossible to achieve without technology.
	Active Students are actively engaged in using technology as a tool rather than passively receiving information from the technology.	Indicator: Students use technology for drill and practice and computer based training.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students begin to utilize technology tools to create products, for example using a word processor to create a report.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to accomplish specific purposes, for example using colored cells on a spreadsheet to plan a garden.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Throughout the school day, students are empowered to select appropriate technology tools and actively apply them to the tasks at hand.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Given ongoing access to online resources, students actively select and pursue topics beyond the limitations of even the best school library.  1-1 access  shared access
	Collaborative Students use technology tools to collaborate with others rather than working individually at all times.	Indicator: Students primarily work alone when using technology.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to utilize collaborative tools, such as email, in conventional ways.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to facilitate collaborative work.  1-1 access   shared access	Indicator: Throughout the day and across subject areas, students utilize technology tools to facilitate collaborative learning.  1-1 access  sharedaccess	Indicator: Technology enables students to collaborate with peers and experts irrespective of time zone or physical distances.  1-1 access  shared access
	Constructive Students use technology tools to build understanding rather than simply receive information.	Indicator: Technology is used to deliver information to students.  1-1 access  Shared access .	Indicator Students begin to utilize constructive tools such as graphic organizers to build upon prior knowledge and construct meaning.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to assist them in the construction of understanding.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students utilize technology to make connections and construct understanding across disciplines and throughout the day.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students use technology to construct, share, and publish knowledge to a worldwide audience.  1-1 access  Shared access
	Authentic Students use technology tools to solve real-world problems meaningul to them rather than working on artificial assignments.	Indicator: Students use technology to complete assigned activities that are generally unrelated to real-world problems.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to apply technology tools to some content-specific activities that are based on real-world problems.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to solve problems based on real-world issues.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students select appropriate technology tools to complete authentic tasks across disciplines.    1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: By means of technology tools, students participate in outside-of-school projects and problem-solving activities that have meaning for the students and the community.  1-1 access  Shared access
	Goal Directed Students use technology tools to set goals, plan activities, monitor progress, and evaluate results rather than simply completing assignments without reflection.	Indicator: Students receive directions, guidance, and feedback from technology, rather than using technology tools to set goals, plan activities, monitor progress, or self-evaluate.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: From time to time, students have the opportunity to use technology to either plan, monitor, or evaluate an activity.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify the use of technology tools to facilitate goal-setting, planning, monitoring, and evaluating specific activities.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students use technology tools to set goals, plan activities, monitor progress, and evaluate results throughout the curriculum.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students engage in ongoing metacognative activities at a level that would be unattainable without the support of technology tools.  1-1 access  Shared access

Learn About Browsers and the Web - Interactively

Everyone can learn something from this interactive, online book called, "20 Things I Learned About Browsers and the Web."

You simply click on the right and the page turns.  20 things include:
Cloud Computing
Online Privacy
A Browser Madrigal
Staying Safe
Browser Cookies
Plug Ins and Extensions
Malware and a dozen more interesting things you and your students have probably heard about or may know something about.

The book supports my "keep it simple" philosophy. Congratulations to the developers and illustrator for their clever, useful information source.

This e-book would be a good way to support a digital literacy program/lesson.  Check it out and see how much you know.
Share your thoughts about this resource in a comment.

Prepare for Pi Day

March 14th is Pi Day around the world!  

Teach Pi Organization - http://www.teachpi.org - a simple to use teaching site that has more information, lessons, songs, facts, activities, projects, books and more.  There is something on this site to support a teaching point in every curricular area for all levels.  Check out the Pi Rap, it's clever!

Kristen's Pi Resources has lesson activities, links to Pi videos and an online Google Forms survey for you to share what you plan to do with your students on Pi Day.  It's quick and simple to complete. http://protopage.com/ktreglia#Untitled/Pi_Day

I know there are many quality Pi Day lessons and resources but if you follow my site, you know my goal is to keep it simple for teachers integrating technology in classrooms.  If you know another good Pi Day resource, share it as a "comment" below.  If you use Teach Pi or Kristen's Pi Resources, share what you did with your class.  

Web 2.0 Timeline Creation With Teachnology

Last week, I had several teacher requests for an application or website that would allow students to create a timeline.  Social studies classes are doing research projects and teachers are looking for easy ways to depict dates and events in history.

There are a number of online timeline creation sites and I am sharing one that is simple and allows students to develop either horizontal or vertical timelines with up to nine events/dates.

Teachnology is a free online resource for K-12 teachers that provides many different resources including: printable worksheets, rubrics, online games, lesson plans, webquests, and more.

Their timeline creator "keeps it simple" and can be used by elementary students with ease.

http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/materials/timelines







You choose the type of timeline you want, enter a title, dates and events, and click create.

This is the finished product with just one click.

I have used this website with 3rd grade students and older.  It is one that teachers want bookmarked on every computer.

Try it with your students if you need a simple to use timeline and let me know how it worked by commenting on this post.  Enjoy this simple, but effective tool and check out the many other tools that you will find on the Teachnology website.

Note - Teachnology does offer a subscription but many of their resources are free, without a log in.