Integrating Technology

Technology should not be a subject taught in isolation.  Instead, technology needs to be integrated within the context of the Ontario Curriculum.  There are several expectations in the curriculum, which clearly require the use of technology.  As well, there are other expectations that could be taught by integrating technology.  The following is a list of steps that teachers might consider following when planning to integrate technology into their lessons:

1. Choose the topic of your lesson while referring to the related curriculum document.  You may also choose an existing lesson.
2. Decide on the expectations that will be taught in the lesson.
3. Identify the expectations to be taught that require the use of technology.  As well, determine whether or not there are other expectations that could be taught by using technology.
4. Decide on the type of technology to be used as well as the instructional strategies to be used.  (i.e. Will the teacher being demonstrating a concept on the LCD projector or will every student be working on their own individual computer?)  The Curriculum Link to Ministry Software may be useful when gathering your resources.
5. Refer to the board's Technology Literacy Continuum, which states technology expectations for each grade level.  Decide on the technology expectations that you will be addressing and/or evaluating in your lesson.
6. Decide on the series of steps that will be used to teach the lesson.  Be sure to consider your assessment, as well as accommodations and modifications.
7. After teaching the lesson, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the lesson.  (i.e. Will you use technology to teach this lesson in the future?)