Technology Integration Matrix
The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The matrix incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, constructive, goal directed, authentic, and collaborative with five levels of technology integration: entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation. Use this matrix as a framework for integrating technology effectively.
http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php
Use Web 2.0 Selection Criteria
Evaluate your possible tool choices using these criteria to eliminate poor choices quickly. Then, do more extensive testing to find that ‘perfect' Web 2.0 technology.
Criteria 1: Access
Is the tool accessible by Windows and Mac users?
Is the tool viewable in a variety of web browsers?
Is the tool free?
Will the tool be around for a while?
Criteria 2: Usability
Do you have to create an account to use the tool?
Is the tool easy to use?
Does the tool have a robust and easy to use Help section?
Does anything have to be downloaded and installed on the computer to use the tool?
Criteria 3: Privacy & Intellectual Property
Does the tool allow you to restrict access of your work/your students' work?
Does the tool protect your personal data (e.g. email address given when account created)?
Does the tool allow you / your students to retain sole rights to the content you create?
Can you save a copy of the product to your desktop for archival purposes?
Criteria 4: Workload & Time Management
Does the tool make it easy to track student work (for grading purposes)?
Does the tool support private and public commenting (for individual and group feedback)?
Does the tool provide for an RSS feed to track work via email or an RSS reader?
Is it possible to embed the tool into the online learning system (Edmodo, Schoology) you are using?
Criteria 5: Fun Factor
Does the tool allow you to demonstrate creativity in the learning product?
Does the tool provide opportunities for different types of interaction (visual, verbal, written)?
Does the tool encourage collaboration?
Original Source: Online Learning Consortium
Involve Administration
Inform your administrator of the Web 2.0 applications your students will be using. You may provide him or her with an informational table listing a description of the Web 2.0 tools, the site address, and how students will use the tool to learn or demonstrate their learning. Attaching a form letter requesting parent permission is suggested. Involving your administrator up front will help if there is a problem. Additionally, there are times when you may need your administrator to help you unblock a site from your school district's filter. Another reason for involving your administrator for evaluation purposes--you are providing evidence of technology use to enhance students' learning and development of 21st Century skills.
Involve Parents
Involving parents is equally as important as involving your administrator. You can begin by informing them of the Web 2.0 tools you will use in a project (this can be done in a project overview you distribute to parents) and asking them to permit their child to use the tools to engage them in the learning. Another way to involve parents is to give them access to collaboration sites like Edmodo, Socrative, and Collaborize. Or, share with them your class Wiki or Web Site so they are able to view student products created with Web 2.0 tools.
Sample Permission Letters
Establish Student Usage Guidelines
See Practical Guidelines for Using Technology Tools in Classroom Teaching for ideas.
The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The matrix incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, constructive, goal directed, authentic, and collaborative with five levels of technology integration: entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation. Use this matrix as a framework for integrating technology effectively.
http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php
Use Web 2.0 Selection Criteria
Evaluate your possible tool choices using these criteria to eliminate poor choices quickly. Then, do more extensive testing to find that ‘perfect' Web 2.0 technology.
Criteria 1: Access
Is the tool accessible by Windows and Mac users?
Is the tool viewable in a variety of web browsers?
Is the tool free?
Will the tool be around for a while?
Criteria 2: Usability
Do you have to create an account to use the tool?
Is the tool easy to use?
Does the tool have a robust and easy to use Help section?
Does anything have to be downloaded and installed on the computer to use the tool?
Criteria 3: Privacy & Intellectual Property
Does the tool allow you to restrict access of your work/your students' work?
Does the tool protect your personal data (e.g. email address given when account created)?
Does the tool allow you / your students to retain sole rights to the content you create?
Can you save a copy of the product to your desktop for archival purposes?
Criteria 4: Workload & Time Management
Does the tool make it easy to track student work (for grading purposes)?
Does the tool support private and public commenting (for individual and group feedback)?
Does the tool provide for an RSS feed to track work via email or an RSS reader?
Is it possible to embed the tool into the online learning system (Edmodo, Schoology) you are using?
Criteria 5: Fun Factor
Does the tool allow you to demonstrate creativity in the learning product?
Does the tool provide opportunities for different types of interaction (visual, verbal, written)?
Does the tool encourage collaboration?
Original Source: Online Learning Consortium
Involve Administration
Inform your administrator of the Web 2.0 applications your students will be using. You may provide him or her with an informational table listing a description of the Web 2.0 tools, the site address, and how students will use the tool to learn or demonstrate their learning. Attaching a form letter requesting parent permission is suggested. Involving your administrator up front will help if there is a problem. Additionally, there are times when you may need your administrator to help you unblock a site from your school district's filter. Another reason for involving your administrator for evaluation purposes--you are providing evidence of technology use to enhance students' learning and development of 21st Century skills.
Involve Parents
Involving parents is equally as important as involving your administrator. You can begin by informing them of the Web 2.0 tools you will use in a project (this can be done in a project overview you distribute to parents) and asking them to permit their child to use the tools to engage them in the learning. Another way to involve parents is to give them access to collaboration sites like Edmodo, Socrative, and Collaborize. Or, share with them your class Wiki or Web Site so they are able to view student products created with Web 2.0 tools.
Sample Permission Letters
Establish Student Usage Guidelines
See Practical Guidelines for Using Technology Tools in Classroom Teaching for ideas.