The Essential Conditions for Technology Integration

According to the introduction to "Digital-Age Literacy for Teachers" the essential conditions for effective technology integration in the classroom are: Shared Vision, Access, Skilled Educators, Professional Development, Technical Assistance, Content Standards and Curriculum Resources, Student-Centered Teaching, Assessment, Community Support, and Support Policies.

I do believe that the article "It's Magic" demonstrates these essential conditions for effective technology integration. Firstly, Mrs. Johnson, the teacher in the article is obviously an educator skilled in both teaching and the use of technology for learning. The teaching is student-centered; students are creating their own broomsticks, which is both meaningful and gives the students a chance to construct their own knowledge. The teachers obviously have access to the newest in technology. There is a shared vision and community support because it seems that schools all over North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, and Texas are participating in some sort of consortiuum. Lastly, the Cherub program also illustrates leadership and administrative support from the entire system.

I believe that After the Bell and Beyond also demonstrates these essential conditions for effective technology integration. There is a shared vision; the entire state of Michigan passed a bill requiring students to take an online class and Missouri is embarking on a program to offer virtual classes to K-12 students. This particular teacher obviously is skilled in the use of technology to offer Podcast reviews to her students. She also obviously has access to the kinds of technology needed to have effective integration into the curriculum. Using the Podcasts as reviews for her students is an example of student-centered teaching. Lastly, community support is also evident in that teachers from all over the world are interested in supporting her use of Podcasts as well as the parents of her students.