The State of Technology

"How can students become technology literate while learning language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and fine arts?"

Students can become more technology literate while learning language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and fine arts because students learn by doing.  Technology is not a passive act, it completely active.  In order for one to learn what her or she is doing on a Computer, Interactive White Board, iPad, or Software Programs, one must have to do the work in order to learn the work.  This is the highest level in Bloom’s Taxonomy.  When students can apply the knowledge that they have learned, then they can create, design, and evaluate material.  This is something that can be done in all content and elective areas.  For example, I have done a Project Based Lesson with my students this pass year.  The students were required to research the different aspects of the Decomposition Process of the Casey Anthony Murder Trial.  They then had to write a three page report on their findings and present them to a “Review Board.”  Next, the students had to create a Multimedia presentation that highlighted the aspects of their paper.  Both assignments had to be emailed to me prior to the presentation date as well.  This assignment included the following aspects: Science, English Language Arts, Music, Computer/Career Technology, and Art.  Even though this was a science class, I incorporated other content areas.