Improving+Student+Achievement

Describe how the integration of technology as outlined in the National Educational Technology Standards will enhance student achievement and improve instructional practice?

The integration of technology as outlined by NETS will enhance student achievement because much of what we ask our students to show us, specifically when talking about student achievement measured by assessments such as FCAT, is to use the knowledge learned to think critically, identify and solve problems, and make decisions based on their investigations. The use of technology in the classroom allows for students to engage in critical thinking skills such as applying existing knowledge to generate new ideas, create original works and/or forecast possibilities. It allows students to apply basic skills in authentic ways, which will help them “prepare to work, live and contribute to the social and civic fabric of their communities.”

Integrating technology will improve instructional practices because the teacher’s role changes from being the sole provider of information to guiding students to find, interpret, and apply the new knowledge. Instruction now becomes more of an interactive process instead of passive. Teachers are able to more easily differentiate for students in both process and product. As educators learn to integrate technology, sharing of [|Best Practices] will push our current instructional practices to the same level we expect our students to perform... the higher the better! 