Check out this recent article in the Kennebunk Post highlighting the use of instructional technology at KES. I think it underscores three very important principles to successful technology integration: efficiency for teachers, engaging activities for the students, and effective delivery modes tested and proven in the classroom environment.
Efficiency: Individual teachers can benefit from a collective effort. Every classroom has a Smartboard. Every grade level teacher covers the same required Maine Learning Results. Add a laptop and a shared network and what happens? Shared resources, collaboration, and individual teachers who help their peers by creating and sharing content that is proven successful.
Engagement: Students love to be involved in the environment around them. Technology in the form of interactive whiteboards, math mats, desktops, laptops, Wii games, etc stimulates their interest and encourages them to have fun learning.
Effective Delivery: A solid foundation of teaching methods, education philosophy, content expertise, 21st century skills, and brain-based learning awareness is needed to develop a great curriculum experience in today’s elementary classroom. It’s happening in the RSU 21 schools every day.
