Journal 7

“Embedding Technology into Core Content Curriculum” by Mark A. Evans

Mark Evans talks about incorporating technology in core content curriculum areas so that students can simultaneously learn the base curriculum and technological skills. He specifically writes about the Klein Independent School District in Texas and the effectiveness of their integration of technology in core content curriculum. Evans also points out the fact that using technology in everyday class projects and assignments is helpful to the teacher as well as the student because the teacher’s attention is not divided between two areas of study (technology and Math, for example).

How does incorporating technology in core content curriculum help the student?

With technology incorporated in lessons across different subject areas, students can process the core curriculum information while also practicing their technological skills. Also, through the use of computers (the primary technological tool in the classroom today), students are learning the logic of the computer. With this knowledge, students can learn to work their way out of not only technological glitches and problems but also everyday obstacles to many tasks. The logic of the computer carries over into real-life subject matter. Also, by using technology in core content curriculum, students are practicing skills that might otherwise be forgotten if they were exclusively used in a technology class.

Is the use of technology in core content curriculum effective?

I think it is. While teachers clearly have to set some time aside in the beginning to teach basic technological skills, once the students have this basic knowledge down they can use their skills across many areas of study.