Introduction

If you are reading this, most likely you are either studying to become a teacher or you are a current teacher who wants to learn more about the use of technology in today's classrooms. This text is designed to help you grow in your chosen profession, particularly in the area of technology usage.

The chapters in this book are based on the educator standards developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). These standards are a guide to helping teachers become empowered learners and are categorized, like the chapters in this book, into seven areas: The learner, the leader, the citizen, the collaborator, the designer, the facilitator, and the analyst.

In addition, relevant Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards are addressed within the chapters. InTASC is a consortium of education agencies and organizations dedicated to the reform of the preparation, licensing, and on-going professional development of teachers. Such standards are used in most teacher preparation programs and form part of the bases upon which accreditation is awarded by agencies such as CAEP.

The main aim of this textbook is to strengthen you in the seven areas ISTE Standards for Educators outlines, so that you will feel comfortable teaching with the ISTE Standards for Students. Specific software, apps, and programs are mentioned and discussed, but these are not the focus of this text. Rather, we examine types of software and how it may be used within the context of the standards.

Before you dive into this text, you need to know a few things:

1. The text is an interactive e-text. That means you need an internet connection to read and respond to it.

2. Don't just skip over links that are provided. You will not be inundated with such links, and if one is included, it is because it adds depth to at least one aspect of the discussion.

3. You may answer the questions at any time during the period the chapter is assigned. Once that time period is over, you may look back on the questions and answers, but you cannot respond. Keep up to date!

4. The text can be read on most devices, including phones. However, you may find it easier to respond to the discussion questions using a keyboard.

Before we start the course, I have two questions for you. Pull up both sets of standards hyperlinked above, and read through them before answering. (Remember, this is a discussion, so respond to others as well)

Sources

(from Cover Page, starting at upper left corner and moving clockwise)

[1] "Faraway" by northways is licensed under CC BY 2.0

[2] "Kiosco Vive Digital Barú" by Ministerio TIC Colombia is licensed under CC BY 2.0

[3] Image courtesy of Jessica Lewis from Pexels

[4] Image courtesy of mentatdgt from Pexels

Integrating Technology into the Classroom

Table of Contents for Integrating Technology into the Classroom