Michigan Educators and Students Embrace the Information Age

by Ric Wiltse, Executive Director, Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), and Director of the ATA Technology Academy

High school students at Norway-Vulcan Area School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are working on a multimedia presentation to be aired on the local cable television channel. At the same time, third graders at Bauer Elementary School in Hudsonville are working in teams preparing a clay animation project based on a book read earlier to the class. In Muskegon Heights, middle school students are developing their own simulated city called Hypothetical Heights as a result of research performed locally and on the Internet.

The Digital Generation Enters the Information Age

Drop in on any school, and it’s obvious that educators and students are embracing the Information Age. Today’s digital generation spends more time learning, communicating, and creating with technology than ever before. At the same time, educators are using new technology tools to warehouse and manage data of all types, communicate with parents, and introduce and reinforce learning concepts in the classroom.

Access to technology has had a major impact on how schools teach with technology. Programs including the 2000-2001 Teacher Technology Initiative (TTI) and, more recently, Freedom to Learn (FTL) have provided desktop, laptop, and handheld computers to many teachers and a growing number of students. Online courses offered by the Michigan Virtual University and the Michigan Virtual High School extend course offerings beyond the school walls. In addition, over 2,000 superintendents and principals have participated in LEADing the Future, a program that increases leadership potential through technology knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

Standards Drive the Use of Educational Technology

In this day of accountability, standards are driving change. Michigan’s standards for technology are based on the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). The standards define how students use technology, how teachers integrate technology throughout the curriculum, and how administrators use technology in leadership. A critical component of the NETS standards addresses the social, ethical, legal, and human issues involved in using educational technology.

The Consortium for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching with Technology (COATT) works to promote technology standards for pre-service and in-service teachers. COATT represents 22 Michigan teacher education colleges and universities in partnership with K-12 schools and educational organizations. COATT formed in 1998 through the efforts of United States Senator Carl Levin, who gathered educators and organizations in order to improve Michigan’s national standing in using educational technology. Today, COATT certification serves as an incentive to encourage excellence in teaching with technology (see COATT Strives to Integrate Technology Into Teaching and Learning).

Professional Development Supports Technology Investment

Adequate technology training for teachers and administrators is necessary to support a school district’s investment in technology hardware and software. Programs like the ATA Technology Academy, training over 3,500 educators in Michigan, increases the skills of school technology teams to better use resources to enhance learning. Professional development also is a focus of the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) through its conferences and publications. The Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) Association of Michigan also coordinates many staff training opportunities at the local and regional level. State educators will soon take advantage of online professional development through Michigan LearnPort, offered by the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Virtual High School (see Round Up of Michigan's Technology Standards, Initiatives, and Organizations).

What’s Ahead?

What will Michigan’s schools of the future look like as a result of the ever-changing world of educational technology? Without a crystal ball, it’s hard to say. If trends continue, schools ten years from now are likely to offer even more options for learning. Learning devices such as computers will be smaller and cheaper, and they will perform more functions. Students will be able to work cooperatively with others from around the world, transcending barriers of language, time, and space.

Regardless of the changing technology, one thing is certain: teachers will continue to teach and students will continue to learn with the help of technology. Our challenge, as educators, is to make sure our investment results in higher student achievement. As a Portage educator said recently, “Great teaching with technology doesn’t just happen. It takes teachers and students applying technology tools that enhance instruction and learning. The end result is an increase of student understanding.”

For more information, contact: Ric Wiltse, Executive Director, Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), P.O. Box 518, Holt, MI 48842-0518, (517) 694-9756, rwiltse@macul.org or visit www.macul.org.

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