The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators

Technology Integration..... this is a loaded topic.  I see technology integration everyday at work and yet I think that we (teachers) try to make it harder than it is.  What is technology integration?  To me, technology integration is the ability to incorporate some form of technology into a lesson.  That's it!  But then I look closer and I see that there are many layers or levels of integration.  Some teachers are using Powerpoints everyday as they lecture, some are assigning students to create a movie, some are using a document camera to show a text, while some teachers are learning how to send an attachment.  So in a perfect world this technology integration would mean that all teachers have the same knowledge base and are teaching students how to use technology while mastering the state standards. So much for living in a perfect world!  And that's okay. I mean, isn't that what education is all about?  Students learning at different levels and learning how to connect all the dots?  So I shouldn't expect all teachers to be teaching/using technology at the same level.  I think this is the best way to explain the Lakewood Technology Integration Plan or T.I.P. 

Really, we have a plan!  We even have a vision and a mission! Lakewood's technology vision is....."to offer access to technology designed to enhance learning and living." Our mission is... "to use technology as a tool to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum so that learners are equipped to participate in the ever-changing global environment."Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing.....what does that mean?  Access to technology?  Ever-changing global environment? Okay, maybe our group can develop a better vision and mission.  When I think of a vision and/or mission statement I think of the big picture. So, what is the big picture at Lakewood with technology?  I agree that technology is one tool in the tool box that we use everyday, so how are we going to "use" the tool...the technology?  Which brings me back to the plan....the Technology Integration Plan.  
It's a great resource of 'problem solvers' and ideas for technology integration, and might give you a couple things to play with over the upcoming break. Check it out!The-Super-Book-of-Web-Tools-for-Educators