Uses of technology in the schools

Question

The chapter points out that, while electronic technology may be available, it frequently is underused. Identify the role of technology in the classroom and tell what is necessary for its value to be enhanced. Then discuss the specific types of uses that currently are available and will be even more so as time goes on. Define terms as needed.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: Scoring guide:

Key elements that should appear in an appropriate response:

* Professional development for in-service teachers and the true integration of electronic technology in the education of pre-service teachers are the keys to changing the traditional paradigm in teaching. The goal should not be to have "technology in the classroom" but to see technology as an instructional tool for accomplishing an educational goal. Distance education (the virtual school) is the delivery of instructional programs to people in sites remote from the traditional school setting.
* Assistive technology refers to those applications that improve the educational experience for students with special needs. Advances in technology have provided greater mobility to children who use wheelchairs, have increased interaction between student and teachers through touch-sensitive computer screens, and have improved the ability of challenged students to be interactive communicators. Electronic technologies have led to computer-based word processing for communications, speech synthesizers, voice-recognition computers, and closed captioning of television broadcasts. The Internet has provided access to materials and resources for students with disabilities and also discussion forums for teachers and students as well.
* The amount of credit depends on the range of uses the student identifies as well as the comprehensiveness of the response.