Student+Engagement+in+Technology

=Student Engagement with Technology=

Instructional Applications of Technology is an equivalent phrase to technology integration and instructional technology. The simplest "definition" is using technology to achieve an instructional objective or outcome. This can be as simple as a drill and practice program where the learner develops a specific skill, such as, arithmetic facts or multiplication facts to more complex simulation and graphing software where higher order thinking skills are used to solve complex mathematical equations in authentic problem solving.

=Computer Lab Component=

As with any course, our program utilizes traditional classroom lectures. In addition to these lectures, however, students are required to apply the knowledge during computer networking labs in which they complete hands-on tasks based on the information provided in the most recent lecture. These labs are very important because they provide students with a chance to immediately apply the information that they are learning in class.

=Senior Cumulative Project=

At Howard, all students are required to compile and present a senior project based on the course material that they learned as part of their vocational program. This cumulative project is to serve as an indication of the material that students have learned during the 3-4 years of instruction. In our program, students typically focus on their project on computer networking fundamentals and network security.



=Reflection=

I think that this particular assignment is very important because it requires students to take a close look at the assignments and activities that make up their lesson plans and curriculum. Instructional technology is at the very heart of this course, so it makes sense to have this type of assignment as we move closer toward the completion of the course. Having completed this assignment, I feel very comfortable in knowing that the students in our vocational program are being exposed to tremendous amounts of technology and technological integration.

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=Process / Selection=

I selected these particular lessons / activities because I believe that they are the most important examples of technological integration found in our vocational program. Given the subject matter, I would argue that every element of our course has a certain level of technological integration. That said, however, I would argue that these two particular examples are most important to students and their success.

The lab component of our courses is very important simply because there are certain items that students need to work through in a hands-on manner rather. For these types of items, the lab component works very well.