Integrating Technology into the Standard Curriculum
Research Connections
Fall 1998

"When combined with appropriate instruction, technology can turn struggling students into successful students." Lynne Anderson-Inman, University of Oregon State Initiatives Support Technology Use in the Curriculum Integrating Technology: Promising Practices.

This article was interesting because it looked at an aspect of technology that I do not consider during my workday as an art teacher. The article stated facts about how technology can close the gap for those who have special challenges. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has a long commitment to assistive technology in the classrooms and is dedicated to all learners who can achieve higher levels through technology. One project they worked on was developing closed-captioned television. The theory is that the technology provides active learning, responds to different learning styles, utilized self-paced study, and encourages student independence. Many of these aspects connect to student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and can enhance learning if connected with the right technology. Technology as a tool for meeting curriculum standards is an important area of focus for OSEP, and one that is showing great promise.

Technology Enhanced Learning Environments on the Web (TELE-Web) was one research effort that took place, and has four central environments-writing room, reading room, library, and publishing room. Preliminary analysis by Michigan State University researcher, Carol Sue Englert, shows that many students are more motivated to write, being more descriptive with their writing, and writing more. In this area of special needs it is exciting to see technology closing the gap in academic challenges, as well as physical.

http:://www.cecsped.org/osep/section2.html

Leann Walker