Level 1: Awareness

Who's using the computers? The teacher or the students?

Description:
The use of technology-based tools is either (1) one step removed from the classroom teacher (e.g., integrated learning system labs, special computer-based pull-out programs, computer literacy classes, central word processing labs), (2) used almost exclusively by the classroom teacher for classroom and/or curriculum management tasks (e.g., taking attendance, using grade book programs, accessing email, retrieving lesson plans from a curriculum management system or the internet) and/or (3) used to embellish or enhance teacher-directed lessons or lectures (e.g., multimedia presentations).

Classroom Observations:

• Available classroom computer(s) are used exclusively for teacher productivity (e.g., email, word processing, grading programs)
• Multimedia applications (including web-based) are used to embellish classroom lectures or teacher presentations
• Computer use serves as a reward station or as a digital babysitter
• Curriculum management tools are used extensively to generate standards-driven lesson plans

Teacher Comments:

• "This grading program is fabulous. I can generate an average for each student or print out any outstanding assignment. Computers are great!"
• "I basically send my kids to the computer lab where they learn how to use it. The kids love it."
• "I designed my own web-page so that students can view their weekly assignments."
• "My students go to the lab each Tuesday. This frees me to catch up on my grades or meet with parents."
• "Our staff attends a bimonthly computer camp with our technology coordinator. This month we are learning how to design a web page. I'm hoping that I can put all of my recipes on this page. That would be great!"