ESSENTIAL: The following elements are always present in good models of teaching with technology.

Standards: Model must be aligned with local, state, and national standards

Assessment: Model must clearly identify indicators of success to the student

Accessibility: Model must meet the needs of all learners including those with special needs

Active Learning

Curricular activities rely on virtual and/or real manipulative materials

Indicators:

-         learners interacting with an environment

-         manipulating the objects in that environment

-         observing the effects of their interventions

-         constructing their own interpretations

-         exploration

Constructive Learning

Students construct their own understanding building on what they already know

Indicators:

-         learners construct models to explain observations

-         multiple solutions to problems accepted

-         errors used to clarify and refine knowledge in activity

-         builds on prior knowledge

Authentic Learning

Real world tasks and primary sources connect learners to the world around them

Indicators:

-         Meaningful, real-world tasks

-         Case-based or problem-based environment

-         Connections to community, state, world outside of school

-         Personal connection

Cooperative Learning

Students work in groups with specific tasks or roles assigned

Indicators:

-         Learners working in groups

-         Learners working to complete a common task

-         Requires communication

-         Individuals have separate roles

Intentional/Reflective Learning

Students are encouraged to generate their own questions and explain their problem solving strategies

Indicators:

-         Learners articulate the learning goals

-         Learners explain what they are doing and/or strategies they use

-         Learners explain how they find answers

-         Learners manage and/or monitor their own learning