Journal #7

4 Steps to Standards Integration

By: Vanessa Domine

In this article, the author talks about how she outlined 4 easy steps that allow educators to visually assemble curriculum where standards are at the forefront of their teaching and where instructional technologies play a supporting role. The first step teachers should make is to create a list of all the possible technological tools the school has to offer. The second step is to create a simple curriculum goal statement. It can be any kind of goal that is grounded in a specific content area that aligns with district and school goals. The third step is to create a list of teaching strategies that might include lecture, demonstration, large/small group discussion, research, or media research. Hence, this allows teachers to reflect and if necessary, revise their teaching style to accommodate specific standards and students with special needs. The last step is to lay in front the three lists in order (take inventory, curriculum goal, and teaching strategies.) Thereafter, the educators can generate a technology integrated matrix. By doing these four steps, teachers can experiment using new media technologies to support existing curriculum or, conversely, use traditional media technologies to support new or unfamiliar curriculum standards.

What if during your inventory you realize the school only has limited resources of technology?

If I found myself in a school with a limited amount of technological resources, then I could always ask for a reasonable request of technological tools that I felt was needed to enhance learning in my classroom. Moreover, I could consult with the district or school technology plan to find out what equipment the school has to offer.

How often do teachers change their curriculum or try to find new strategies to enhance learning in their classroom?

Most teachers are skeptical in trying new things or take time to find better ways to enhance learning in their classroom. Once teachers become comfortable with their teaching style it's very hard for them to take a risk and try something new. I think if teachers really cared about teaching and their students then they will always try to find the best possible approach and teaching style that will benefit their students.