AIM at Middle Grades Results: Program Components

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Program Components > Research > Theory and Research Supporting AIM > Element 1

THEORY AND RESEARCH SUPPORTING
AIM FOR RESULTS
DESIGN ELEMENT SIX

INNOVATIVE USE AND INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT INSTRUCTION, CURRICULUM, ASSESSMENT, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In his book Project-Based Learning Using Information Technology (1999), David Moursund stated that information technology (IT) adds three dimensions to learning models that focus on student projects featuring performances of understanding:

IT can be a tool for working on a project, including using IT in a project's product, presentation, or performance,

IT can be part of the content of the project, e.g., scientific data can be updated daily with Internet and email communication, and

IT can be a vehicle that helps create a teaching and learning environment in which students and teachers are both learners and facilitators of learning-that is, they function as a community of scholars.

Based on her experience with the Community Learning Centers' Matrix for Learning project in New York City (http://clc.unhny.org/resources/adulted_matrix.cfm), Sandy Goldberg observes that technology can improve student projects and performances because:

Technology is applied in ways that are similar to the way technology is used in the "real world"-as a tool, thus enhancing the authentic nature of the projects program participants are engaged in;
Technology allows for the creation of projects (products) that can be easily shared beyond the walls of the school or program;
Technology expands the research possibilities, allowing students to contact subject matter experts anywhere in the world (as long as they have email access); and
Technology makes the research process more motivating.

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