LoTi Framework


Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTi) Breakdown
Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4a
Level 4b
Level 5
Level 6

Level 5: Expansion

Are you ready to advance into uncharted areas of powerful teaching strategies linked to advanced technology use?

Description:
Technology access is extended beyond the classroom. Classroom teachers actively elicit technology applications and networking from other schools, business enterprises, governmental agencies (e.g., contacting NASA to establish a link to an orbiting space shuttle via internet), research institutions, and universities to expand student experiences directed at problem-solving, issues resolution, and student activism surrounding a major theme/concept. The complexity and sophistication of the technology-based tools used in the learning environment are now commensurate with (1) the diversity, inventiveness, and spontaneity of the teacher's experiential-based approach to teaching and learning and (2) the students' level of complex thinking (e.g., analysis, synthesis, evaluation) and in-depth understanding of the content experienced in the classroom.

Classroom Observations:

  • Students created an actual online business venture involving cosmetics and jewelry as a culminating performance task in their marketing class.
  • Students started their online consumer awareness clearinghouse that provided up-to-date information on "best prices" for travel, goods and merchandise, and services based on data collected from their research and online surveys with other schools.
  • Using video cameras, NASA and NOAA images, and related weather and mapping data, students assisted a hiker in his goal to conquer the Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada. Communicating via email, students were able to provide daily information on the best routes based on projected weather reports and various typographic information.

Teacher Comments:

  • "Students got the idea for starting a business venture online after they read a series of articles discussing the pros and cons of online businesses and their success rates."
  • "It was amazing! Many of the students already knew how to use these Internet tools such as Any Forms and writing simple CGI scripts."
  • "Assisting their hiker friend was the highlight of the day. Since we were limited on time in class, students did the majority of their research online at home."