Level 6: Refinement

Have you reached the promise land involving the power and potential of instructional computing?

Description:
Technology is perceived as a process, product (e.g., invention, patent, new software design), and/or tool for students to find solutions related to an identified "real-world" problem or issue of significance to them. At this level, there is no longer a division between instruction and technology use in the classroom. Technology provides a seamless medium for information queries, problem-solving, and/or product development. Students have ready access to and a complete understanding of a vast array of technology-based tools to accomplish any particular task at school. The instructional curriculum is entirely learner-based. The content emerges based on the needs of the learner according to his/her interests, needs, and/or aspirations and is supported by unlimited access to the most current computer applications and infrastructure available.

Classroom Observations:

• Students designed an interactive web site for bilingual children to expedite their English language proficiency. The site included options for real-time conversations, tutorial sessions, and bilingual online bulletin boards.
• Students created a new type of housing design using some sophisticated CAD programs to improve the amount of heat transfer in future homes.

Teacher Comments:

• "Every student has access to computers, video cameras, scanners, Internet, and any other technology-based application at any time during the instructional day. Doesn't everyone?"
• "We have computers embedded in every desk and in every classroom on campus. Students can use them at any time."