Principles to Consider

Crabtree, Mary, (2007). Using Computers to Enrich Content. The Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, and Reading. 47(1).


This particular article was one that could be used when looking to incorporate technology into any content area. It was written by a technology resource coordinator who provided some very important but basic ideas to consider when looking to incorporate technology into education. She lists them as principles to consider and they are the following:

1. Focus on Knowledge Creation- students need to be able to gather accurate and relevant information that will contribute to new knowledge learned. They must be able to use prior knowledge and still build upon it to show depth and reflection.

2. Don't go it alone- don't be afraid to seek out help and resources. Collaboration is key.

3. Approach teaching from a constructivist point of view- teachers need to be the facilitators of learning and provide students with a learning atmosphere that is full of collaboration, exploration, and chances for innovation.

4. Partner up-students- provide group work and collaboration opportunities

5. Partner-up-teachers- collaborate with colleagues and share ideas

6. Fear not- don't be afraid to make mistakes and take risks and know that they will happen and will only allow those to learn from them

7. Always have a plan B- always have a concrete backup plan for those unexpected glitches that can occur

These principles to consider may seem obvious to many, however, I think that sometimes we forget these simple reminders that can be very beneficial to us. I think that the main points that this article allows the reader to walk away with are that we need to take risks and experiment with technology and that those risks do not have to be taken alone!