How do you design and deliver technology-integrated curriculum?

1 Assess the needs

Before you introduce any technology to your mentees, you need to assess their needs, challenges, and readiness. You can use surveys, interviews, observations, or self-assessments to gather data on their current practices, strengths, weaknesses, and interests. You also need to consider the availability, accessibility, and reliability of the technology resources in their school or district. Based on the needs assessment, you can identify the gaps and opportunities for technology integration and prioritize the areas of focus.

2 Plan the outcomes

Once you have a clear picture of the needs, you can help your mentees plan the outcomes of their technology-integrated curriculum. You can use frameworks such as SAMR, TPACK, or ISTE Standards to guide your mentees in defining the purpose, objectives, and indicators of technology integration. You can also help them align their outcomes with the curriculum standards, learning goals, and assessment criteria. You should encourage your mentees to think about how technology can enhance, transform, or personalize learning for their students.

3 Select the tools

After you have established the outcomes, you can assist your mentees in selecting the appropriate tools for their technology-integrated curriculum. You can use criteria such as relevance, suitability, affordability, usability, and compatibility to evaluate and compare different tools. You can also provide your mentees with recommendations, reviews, or demonstrations of the tools that you have used or seen in action. You should remind your mentees that the tools are not the end goal, but the means to achieve the outcomes.

4 Design the activities

When you have chosen the tools, you can collaborate with your mentees in designing the activities for their technology-integrated curriculum. You can use models such as UDL, PBL, or Flipped Classroom to design activities that are engaging, differentiated, and student-centered. You can also help your mentees integrate technology into various phases of the learning cycle, such as activation, exploration, consolidation, or reflection. You should guide your mentees to design activities that are aligned with the outcomes, tools, and assessment methods.

5 Deliver the instruction

As your mentees are ready to deliver their technology-integrated curriculum, you can support them in implementing and managing it effectively. You can offer your mentees tips, strategies, or resources for facilitating technology-based instruction, such as setting norms, establishing routines, providing scaffolds, or troubleshooting issues. You can also observe, coach, or co-teach with your mentees to provide them with feedback, encouragement, or assistance. You should help your mentees monitor and adjust their instruction based on the data and evidence.

6 Evaluate the impact

Finally, you can help your mentees evaluate the impact of their technology-integrated curriculum on their students' learning and their own professional growth. You can use methods such as surveys, interviews, portfolios, or rubrics to collect and analyze data on the students' performance, progress, and perception. You can also use methods such as journals, reflections, or peer reviews to collect and analyze data on your mentees' practice, development, and satisfaction. You should help your mentees celebrate their successes, identify their challenges, and plan their next steps.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?