Anthony Martella

New Brighton Middle School

(724) 846-8100 ext. 224

Technology Integration in the Classroom

I believe that if we are truly to meet students “where they are” then we must present and assess using the tools that they communicate through (i.e. social, interactive and collaborative media). The 21^st century learner needs to master the communication skills that will enable him/her to compete in a world where technology is progressing at an unprecedented pace. It is my job to foster these skills to enhance the learning process.

Teachers must be savvy communicators. We are to bridge the gaps between students and curriculum, parents and curriculum, and even students and parents. My class website, Mr. Martella’s Webpage (mrmartella.com), attempts to bridge these gaps in an innovative, exciting way. As I have grown professionally, it has grown with me. It started as a calendar and some contact information. Today, it contains interactive class notes, class presentations, videos, useful links, simulations and many other features. It truly has become a valuable resource that can be utilized by the students, the parents, the community and the world.

Differentiated instruction is the process of instructing and evaluating students based on their personal strengths and interests. It parallels Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, which has been widely accepted by educators, in part because of the fact that it allows for multiple ways to teach. Differentiated instruction can be seen in my classroom in the form of interactive class notes, electronic assessments, and technology centered projects (to name a few). The guiding principle, I believe, is that students learn best when they are interested in a given topic. We can entice interest by presenting and assessing material in a dynamic way. We must encourage personal choice, which brings about a feeling of ownership. When students feel that they are active participants in the educational process they are motivated to succeed. And when they succeed, we the teachers succeed.