Challenges of Teaching with Technology Across the Curriculum:...

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 340 pages
• Published by: Information Science Publishing December 18, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1591401097
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1591401094
• Book Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.6 pounds

Book Description
Teachers are looking for a text that will guide them in the selection of appropriate educational software and help them make decisions about the myriad of available Internet sites. They want to know how all this material can help their students learn better. Challenges of Teaching With Technology Across the Curriculum: Issues and Solutions integrates both theory and practice with assessment to make learning outcomes possible. This text will become an invaluable reference for any teacher who develops their own instructional materials or is asked to select software and Web sites for their students.

About The Author
Dr. Lawrence A. Tomei earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of Akron in 1972, Masters of Public Administration (1975) and Masters of Education (1978) at the University of Oklahoma, Norman OK., and a Doctorate in Education (1983) from the University of Southern California. He has authored numerous journal articles and three books on educational technology, including: Professional Portfolios for Teachers (1999); Teaching Digitally: Integrating Technology Into the Classroom (2001), both published by Christopher-Gordon Inc.; and The Technology Facade (2002), published by Allyn & Bacon. Dr. Tomei is a Certified Computing Professional - Management Endorsement (1978); Certified Data Processor (1980); Certified Data Processing Auditor (1979); and Certified Information Systems Auditor (1979). In addition, he holds a Vocational Education Certificate from the State of Colorado (1989) and the Pennsylvania Instructional Technology Specialist Certification (2001).

Reader Reviews
When I reviewed the promotional literature for this book claiming that it was "a one-stop, easy-to-use resource guide that acts as an enabler and catalyst for teachers unsure about how and where to start utilizing technology in the classroom to maximize the teaching and learning experience." I was somewhat skeptical. However, after reading "Challenges of Teaching with Technology Across the Curriculum: Issues and Solutions" I had to conclude that the book does what it claims it would do. This book focuses on developing technology-based curriculum instruction and technology-based content for the P-12 curriculum. It presents an 8 step model for creating technology-based instruction based on the education literature - Lesson Goals and Targets, Learning Objectives, Materials and Resources, Initiating Activities, Developmental Activities, Concluding Activity, Technology Infusion, and Student Learning Evaluation. After a discussion of the application and integration of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics/paint and draw, and internet into use in educational curriculums, the book then presents sample applications of these technologies in eight subject areas: Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, Technology, and Special Education. Each of these chapters discussed historical development of technology applications, a description of current technology and professional standards, and provided rubrics for evaluating potential software packages and web sites. They also provided recommendations for educational software, and tips on useful web sites for each of the eight subject areas. In the beginning and end of the book, Tomei provides some tips on how teachers can design instructional units that incorporate technologies and lesson ideas for each of the technology applications that are grade-appropriate. One things about the book that I particularly noticed is how these lessons push the student use of technology to the lower grades (i.e. Power point skills and exercises from pre-kindergarten through grade 5), thereby potentially reducing the time needed to spend on the in higher grades and increasing the receptivity of these students to on-line learning in their future studies (my area of expertise). I can see where this book would be particularly useful for elementary school teachers since they often have to teach a variety of subjects and the exercises could be implemented into classroom settings fairly easily. Because of the common structure to each of the discipline-area chapters the book was easy to read, but doesn't have to be read closely for teachers to be able to use its ideas and tools. The one potential concern I had with the book is common to on that seeks to be both practical and current. With the rapid development cycles often associated with software and/or websites, how frequently will this book need to be updated? Overall, if you are a teacher (particularly elementary school) new to incorporating technological applications into your classroom, I'd strongly recommend this book as a starting point. Also, if you are a college or university education professor who teaches technology adoption to these aspiring teachers, I would recommend it for adoption into your courses.