Comprehensive Classroom Technology Plan

Lashika James
Grand Canyon University
EDU-225
March 13, 2016

Comprehensive Classroom Technology Plan

Introduction
This is a technology plan that entails in detail the many ways in which technology can be
enforced in the classroom, their pros and cons, facilitation, and learning experience. The
possibilities and opportunities have flourished over the years and technology is highly utilized
and play a very captivating role in our environment.
Section One: Mission and Vision Statement
My vison is to empower and develop students knowledge and abilities in the classroom,
creating a positive, judgment free environment. To implement while encouraging the use and
understanding of technology.
My mission would be to enlighten the minds of all students encouraging creativity. To
instill drive, passion, and dedication to their education. To acknowledge students efforts and
allow several opportunities for growth and promotion. I want my students to always feel that me
as their teacher will always be a supporter.
Section Two: Communications Plan
Technology is up and on the rise. It has become very popular in the generation and the
society today, it is also one of the top forms of education today. We have no choice but to stay up
to date with the vast technology, this involves our educational plans, and with the communication
with both our students and our parents. They key is to keep them both involved in their
respective place, and provide information that is needed. There are so many different ways and
resources that we as educators can use to properly communicate, and have an active
communication as well.

Computers
Computers in the classroom are a great technology resource for students to use.
There are many educational websites that offer fun learning games, and teach appropriate skills.
The computer is useful to parents as well because even though some are not computer savvy, this
gives them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone to be involved in active
communication with their childs education. It is important for parents to know how to operate
the system because some teachers choose to communicate through email. This is a global form of
communication and can connect several students and teachers from all over. Computers also
support communications beyond classroom walls, thus enabling schools and communities to
provide an environment for cooperative learning, development of higher-order thinking skills,
and solving complex problems. (Gunter, Gunter, 2015).
Remind 101
Remind 101 is a is a group texting service that allows the students and teachers to
stay connected no matter the device, and this service can be also used with parents and teacher
communication as well. I think that because students are on their phones a lot and they are very
popular, that this is a good approach. This is a good alternate, but the information should also be
posted in case one does not have access to a phone. (Bobbitt, Inman, & Bertrand, 2013). This is a
method of communication that can be used globally worldwide. Resources are becoming
available to everyone, and this is just one approach to reaching out and communicating with
parents and students.
IPads

In this case, I am referring to using IPads in the special needs community to

enhance communication and build other skills. A student having access and knowledge of how to
use the IPad and having it in the classroom, can be beneficial in many different areas for these
children such as: communication and social skills, enhance their relationships at home and
school, and reduce emotional frustration. (Technology Opens Communication, 2012). Parents
can research many different apps and programs that they offer for the specific needs of their
child. Not all children will be able to use an IPad, but it is definitely great for those capable of
doing so. This can be used globally around the world for communication, and for communication
exchange.
Parent Teacher communication blogs
I believe that with these blogs, some parents can feel comfortable in their
communication with the teacher. If the teacher allows parents the opportunity to look at the blog
and ask questions before they began to use it can be useful as well. I feel that this is good for
parents to stay on point with their child education, and be prepared. Some parents need to be
motivated, but can be urged by the proper person. In these blogs a lot of information would be
communicated like: daily activities, upcoming events, childs progress, parent resources, and
more. Blogs can be open for parents and even teachers to visit and give their support or concerns.
Parents should feel comfortable in communication, so being clear is important. Blogs can be
made and shared amongst many so it is very beneficial to communication, if this is the route you
are going.
Communication Internet Security and Safety

It is our job as educators to keep our children safe while in our care. Making sure
that our internets have the best protection, is very important. I believe that with students, teachers
should prepare a large group discussing the importance of being safe while using the computer.
This is why there are several anti-viruses and blocks that are put on these computers, and the kids
have admin. Numbers to have access to everything. Social media is a big topic right now and
children find ways to access these things. It is very important for students to completely focus
and not distracted by pop-ups or hacking into the administrative account. Parents should be
aware, and protect their technology very well. It is better to protect, than to expose.

To conclude, the communication has to keep up with time, and it should be known
that children could be at risk when using the phone, tablets or computers. I am a firm believer
that it takes dedication and determination for parents and teachers to collaborate on ideas.
Communication portrays itself in many ways, we just have to ready to meet the needs, by any
means necessary.

Section Three: Integrating Instructional Technology

Integrating Instructional Technology
The integration of technology in the classroom, could only be expected due to the
role that technology plays in society and the learning experience as a whole on this day and time.

Technology is one of the main forms of teaching and learning for our students of the 21st
century. Technology integration is the use of different forms of technology such as: computers,
internet, social media, smartphones, etc. in daily classroom practices and in the management
of school (Nov 2007). Integrating technology will help every student with learning in some way.
All tools do not work for everyone, yet the educator has the ability to see what is working and
what isnt. The attention of the individuals served must be kept while learning, and technology
has opened the door for our students to learn in many different ways with many different tools
and resources for them to use while doing so.
The Internet
The internet is a great tool to use to integrate and facilitate instruction in the
classroom. With the internet, there are several different types of websites, and search engines that
students can access to assist them with learning. There is something called web quest that
teachers can use to begin integrating internet searches into their curriculum, and this assists
students through their search of specific information using the internet (Hayes, 2009). When
students learn how to access information for themselves, or feel comfortable using the tools
presented to them, they are more likely to stay attentive without becoming discouraged, so as
educators we want to make the experience welcoming so that the students will gain confidence in
themselves and in the ability of the technology that they are using.
PowerPoint
PowerPoint can be another technology tool that can be integrated into instruction.
PowerPoint would be great for classroom group lessons and activities. This would be a great way
to pull in the attention of the visual learner, because all the graphics and designs that are made

available to enhance the presentation. With using PowerPoint the educator can have everything
ready to go so that the presentation becomes student-centered by allowing the educator to
interact with the class while presentation is there and done (2000-2011). If the educator present
confidently and make what is expected to learn easy to understand, students may become
encouraged to create their own presentations for an assignment, which is great in teaching them
how to work on their presentation and use visual aids to assist understanding. Power point can
add new dimensions on learning allowing teachers to explain concepts while accommodating all
learning styles (Whats the Hype, 2016)
3D Printing
3D printing is a great way of integrating technology in the classroom. According
to Technology outlook: STEM, 3D printing is relevant in teaching and learning as a way to
enable more authentic exploration of objects that may not be readily available to teachers and
students (Schaffhauser, 2013). This printer could be a great way to integrate with students who
are heavy tactile and or visual learners. The hands on experience can change understand for some
students. I would think students will be very receptive to the idea of printing out there project in
3D. The students can use the objects that they have created as references for other assignments,
or the educator can use them as examples for other classes. The hands on experience of this tool
makes learning different and I feel it will keep students engaged and anticipating the final
outcome of projects.
Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning (200-300 words)
With anything type of technology that you use in the classroom, there will be some pros
and some cons about the equipment. Sometimes knowing these things can be insightful on how

to adjust the use, or how to accommodate the use. Some pros of using technology to facilitate
your instruction would be independent learning, visual illustration, effective means of learning,
life skills via technology, and creativity is enhanced and focused upon. (Harris, 2015). Within all
of those mentioned, students can gain great success. These are all great pros and can lead a
student to great success in the learning environment. Some of the cons that can come from
facilitating instruction through technology are: technology can become a distraction,
disconnection with social media, online safety and security, and forgetting basic ways of
studying (Harris, 2015). These cons can play a role on students success and the effort that they
put in. We want to always assure that students are safe when operating technology, and we
always want students to have more than one source of getting information. Sometimes its not
bad to go back and do things a little traditional and incorporate the new, and still produce a good
outcome.
Wired and Wireless Classrooms (100-200 words)
Being able to connect wireless in the classroom can allow different types of
technology such as IPads, tablets, and smartphones. Wired classrooms do not allow for these
type of tools to be used because of the connection. New wireless technology tools expand
communication abilities, having wireless technology isnt new. It dates back over 100 years ago
and has transformed the way that people work, communicate, and learn (Gunter & Gunter,
2015. P337). Wired classrooms limit what tools can be used to integrate and differentiate
instruction because the wire connectivity cannot allow for the students to travel throughout the
school with a specific technology tool that they may need for learning all day. The device would
not be effective anywhere but in the classroom. There are many different types of wireless
connectivity such as: mobile hotspots, wireless local area (WLANS), and wireless are networks

(WPANS) are a few. (Gunter & Gunter, 2015). The major difference I believe that has an impact
is that wireless broadens the possibilities of connection vs. a wired connection. With wireless,
things are a lot less complicated and easier access to online connectivity and there is less of a
limit.
Conclusion
To conclude, teachers should always be looking to gain knowledge about all of
the many resources available to allow them to integrate the use of technology in their classroom
and in their lessons. We want to keep students up to date with using certain pieces of equipment
and assure a specific comfort level and confidence level of the individual who is operating the
technology. It is the job of the educator to always assure the direction and the delivery of their
lesson is clear and assure that the educator can properly use this equipment before the student is
expected to. Technology integration has potential to play a major part in learning and we should
always support that because technology is what is known in this generation.
Section Four: Differentiating Instruction through Technology
The fact that differentiated instruction has the potential to play a vital and sustained role
in the classroom of the future (Smith, Throne 2007), should be enough reason for educators to be
innovative about instruction. Differentiating instruction allows all students to have an equal
opportunity at learning, and provides educators several new approaches and strategies to meet
the needs of the students they serve. The technology that we have today in schools, has opened
several doors for growth and expansion in the direction of teaching with many different devices.
Technology to Differentiate Instruction

The SMART Board

The SMART Board is one device that can be used in the classroom to differentiate
instruction. This piece of equipment is an interactive white board that has several resources for
teacher and students, and can be used for many purposes in the classroom. I would use this board
in my classroom also for group activities and for personalized instruction for students who may
be more of visual or kinesthetic learners. This device can allow students to interact and
collaborate with their peers in the environment where digital media is present. This device has so
many elements to it that can draw in the attention of individuals with poor social skills and keep
then engaged. The SMART Board offers students choices in an environment in which they can
excel. (White, B 2010)
Apple IPad
The IPad is another great devices that can be used to differentiate instruction. This
specific device has several different apps that can be activated to reach all areas of learning. You
can even personalize the IPad specifically for a specific students personal needs. This device can
be used with all different developmental levels. I would us it in my classroom for a student who
may have multiple disabilities, or be visually impaired. This is very much so a student centered
device, it gives students the opportunity to learn at their own pace in their own time. Students
become familiar with their devices, and then are able to make decisions for what they want and
communicate their needs effectively, and even help their problem solving skills with independent
usage. Most students are familiar with the IPad whether its from home, or from using it at
school, and with consistency of using it, the IPad can have great benefits for learners.
Computers

The final piece of technology that I think is a good for differentiation in the
classroom, is the computer. The computer can be used for so many things within the classroom,
and could be great for accommodation of a students needs. I would use this in my classroom
with students who may struggle with reading, or who are more auditory learners. Programs such
as digital text that can benefit a students who may have trouble reading texts from a regular book
that has an option for auditory display. The talking text helps students by reading the text aloud
on the computer. Even if a student is having problems with specific words, they can click the
word and gain support to read at a higher level, helping with their information fluency. (.)
Pros and Cons
Technology is great to be used in the classroom for instruction, but it can have its
pros and its cons. For sure I believe that there will be a lot more participation and in lessons with
these tools. We want to make sure that the student has the skills to use the device because if not,
it will be no benefit to them and the instruction would not be effective. We also want to make
sure that students to not get too tied up in the entertainment piece of the technology tool, because
it will take away from their instruction, and the devices purpose at that time. We want the
students to stay engaged as much as possible during the lesson without becoming withdrawn due
to the technology that is assisting them.
Concluding Paragraph
To conclude, there are many other devices and gadgets that can be used to
differentiate instruction in the classroom. Its all about exploring and figuring out what is the best
fit for the need of the individual. The tools that I have listed and what I could use them for in my
classroom, are just a few. Each one of these technology devices can be used in so many different

ways, its just all about finding the one that accommodates the individual the best. Never be
afraid to admit or feel one isnt working, because there are a few, and something will work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology offers great resources and can enhance so many ways of
learning in and outside of the classroom. From communicating, to differentiating instruction and
integration of technology, the possibilities grow. The world is surrounded by technology and it is
now a primary use in the field of education.

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