EDTEC 470: The Why, What, and How of Technology Integration

1. The best reason(s) why 21st century skills are so important to teach our students is because:

Technology is already such a big part of students' lives.

Teaching these skills transforms the teaching practice

Student achievement will be improved by teaching these skills

These skills are essential for the jobs of today and the future

Answer "D" is the best in this case. The other answers are better as reasons for using technology in the classroom, not for teaching 21st century skills.

Explanation

Answer "D" is the best in this case. The other answers are better as reasons for using technology in the classroom, not for teaching 21st century skills.

2. Which of the following are example(s) of 21st century skills:

Social responsibility

Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Reasoning and critical thinking

Creating music and appreciating the arts

The given answer options of social responsibility, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and reasoning and critical thinking are all examples of 21st century skills. Social responsibility involves understanding and taking action to address societal issues. Cultural awareness and sensitivity involve recognizing and respecting different cultures and perspectives. Reasoning and critical thinking involve the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. These skills are considered crucial in the 21st century as they enable individuals to navigate complex and diverse environments, solve problems, and contribute to the betterment of society.

Explanation

The given answer options of social responsibility, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and reasoning and critical thinking are all examples of 21st century skills. Social responsibility involves understanding and taking action to address societal issues. Cultural awareness and sensitivity involve recognizing and respecting different cultures and perspectives. Reasoning and critical thinking involve the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. These skills are considered crucial in the 21st century as they enable individuals to navigate complex and diverse environments, solve problems, and contribute to the betterment of society.

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3. Successful technology integration has led to which of the following known outcome(s)?

An increase in student IQ

Higher levels of motivation

Gains in achievement scores

A decrease in school violence

Only B and C have been found in studies related to technology integration -- but only when certain criteria are met. To view those criteria, visit: http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=answers&QuestionID=1

Explanation

Only B and C have been found in studies related to technology integration -- but only when certain criteria are met. To view those criteria, visit: http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=answers&QuestionID=1

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4. If you were to integrate technology into the classroom, which of the following should be present to increase your chances of success (success means impact on student achievement, performance, and motivation)?

Students have opportunities to collaborate

The teacher integrates technology an average of one time per week

School leaders and the parent community support technology use

Student work focuses on the creation of a product

The teacher provides little feedback and the student determines an appropriate pace for learning

B is not accurate -- teachers who integrate technology on a daily basis and have students using technology on a daily basis have much greater chances of success. Technology integration should occur regularly and routinely.

E contradicts evidence that giving frequent feedback on learning and progress leads to improved performance. See http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=answers&QuestionID=1 for more information on this.

Explanation

B is not accurate -- teachers who integrate technology on a daily basis and have students using technology on a daily basis have much greater chances of success. Technology integration should occur regularly and routinely.

E contradicts evidence that giving frequent feedback on learning and progress leads to improved performance. See http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=answers&QuestionID=1 for more information on this.

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5. Your fifth grade class is learning about earthquakes and disaster readiness. The objective is to have students create a public service announcement that will inform and prepare others on this topic. Which of the following are the best way(s) to integrate technology to meet your objective?

Create a self-running presentation

Develop a web site

Write a report

Create a concept map

A and B are the best answers for this scenario. Based on the fact that students are being asked to inform others about being prepared for disasters, they will need a technology tool and medium that allows them to deliver their information broadly. A report and concept map are more individualized and not meant for such broad application.

Explanation

A and B are the best answers for this scenario. Based on the fact that students are being asked to inform others about being prepared for disasters, they will need a technology tool and medium that allows them to deliver their information broadly. A report and concept map are more individualized and not meant for such broad application.

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6. Which of the following outcomes have teachers experienced when using technology in the classroom?

Access to up-to-date primary source materials

Less time needed to prepare lessons

Collaboration with resources from around the world

Higher levels of off-task behavior

There are many outcomes associated with using technology, some good, some not. While technology skills are important to master as you learn to integrate technology, you will also need to learn the pedagogical and management techniques needed to become a successful user of technology in your lessons.

Explanation

There are many outcomes associated with using technology, some good, some not. While technology skills are important to master as you learn to integrate technology, you will also need to learn the pedagogical and management techniques needed to become a successful user of technology in your lessons.

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7. You want your students to perform research on a topic related to your topic area. The objective is to have students represent the topic in new, creative ways that illustrate their mastery of the topic. Which of the following are good way(s) to use technology to meet that goal?

Create flash cards to memorize facts related to the topic

Design a brochure that motivates people to learn more about the topic

Prepare a presentation summarizing the main facts of the topic

Design a poster as if the topic were being made into a movie

While all these uses of technology have a time and place, those focusing on repeating, memorizing, or summarizing facts are not appropriate in this case. The goal is to get students to illustrate the topic in new ways, not more of the same ways. Asking them to think about why someone would want to learn more about the topic, or to see a movie about the topic, best meets the objective set out.

Explanation

While all these uses of technology have a time and place, those focusing on repeating, memorizing, or summarizing facts are not appropriate in this case. The goal is to get students to illustrate the topic in new ways, not more of the same ways. Asking them to think about why someone would want to learn more about the topic, or to see a movie about the topic, best meets the objective set out.

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8. Which of the following was at one time predicted to ruin education in our country?

Ball-point Pens

Chalk and slate

Calculators

Television

None of the above

In fact, there is a historical trend in education predicting that the latest technology will ruin education -- it still exists today.

Explanation

In fact, there is a historical trend in education predicting that the latest technology will ruin education -- it still exists today.

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