Understanding Technology

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Understanding Technology

• Technology Definitions

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Technology is

• Webster
• A technical method of achieving a practical
  purpose
• Technology needs to be broadly defined beyond
  stuff
• What we use (tools)
• Means of use (procedures)
• How we proceed systematically (strategies)

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Types of Technology

• What categories of technology have you used
  since you got up this morning

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Medical Technology

• Technology whose purpose is to improve or sustain
  positive health
• Examples
• ??

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Productivity Technologies

• a.k.a. Information and communication technologies
• Help us to communicate and interact with others,
  work, problem-solve, find information and manage
  ourselves, our homes and lives more efficiently
  and effectively

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Productivity is
Quantity Quality
Specific Amount of Time
So what does it mean to be more productive?
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Tools of Productivity

• Equipment (Hardware)
• Cell Phones
• Copy Machines
• Fax
• What else??

• Software
• Word Processing Program
• Desktop Publishing
• Graphics Packages
• Database Program
• Spreadsheet Program
• Communications Software
• Multimedia Development Tools

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Productivity in School

• What tools help make teachers productive?
• What are the tasks teachers do?
• What tools can help?

• What tools help make students productive?
• What are the tasks students do?
• What tools can help?

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Instructional Technology

• Instructional technology is a special instance of
  productivity tools
• It is about increasing learning productivity
• It is the use of computers, multimedia, and other
  technological tools to enhance the teaching and
  learning process

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Instructional Technology is used to...

• Plan instructional interventions,
• Prepare print, audio, video or digital
  instructional materials,
• Instruct the relevant content (knowledge and
  skills),
• Manage student interests, materials or data
  during instruction,
• Assess student learning, and
• Extend instructional impact through maintenance
  and generalization activities
• (Newby, Stepich, Lehman Russell, 2000).

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Instructional Technologies

• Media Technologies
• Computers, CD, DVD, projection devices, digital
  audio and video recording or editing devices or
  software used by teachers to prepare or present
  information
• Instructional Process Technologies
• Systematic principles of instructional design and
  delivery which include strategies, methods, and
  techniques
• Technology of Teaching

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The Web as an Instructional Technology Tool

• http//www.teachers.net
• http//www.teach-nology.com
• http//www.4teachers.org
• http//www.eduref.org/
• Office Tips for Teachers

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Assistive Technology

• Any item, piece of equipment, or product system,
  whether acquired commercially, modified, or
  customized, that is used to increase, maintain,
  or improve the functional capabilities of
  individuals with disabilities.
• -IDEIA of 2004

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What is AT?
Working definition A tool that allows a person
to do a task they could not do without the tool
at the expected performance level. AT is
compensatory
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AT Performance Enhancement
Expected Performance On Tasks
Development Over Years
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What are AT Services?

• AT services
• any service that directly assists a child with
  a disability with the selection, acquisition, or
  use of an assistive technology device.
• -IDEIA 04

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IT vs. AT
IT Teach Remediate
AT Compensate
Instructional
Assistive
Cant learn without
Can learn without
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Assistive Technology

• Q If AT helps people to function better, why
  isnt it a productivity technology?
• A Because it is defined specifically for people
  with disabilities!