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Using Technology to Provide Support

As with many technology integration challenges, technology itself offers some solutions to the support dilemma. 26, 27 Computer-mediated communication tools allow teachers to create, share, and evaluate materials online. Teachers can serve as mentors or simply share stories across a school, district, or other geographic boundaries. Videotapes and broadcast video options, such as teleconferencing and streaming video, enables teachers to observe peers who have successfully faced integration challenges. Robust online environments can support professional development opportunities in basic maintenance and troubleshooting skills as well as advanced pedagogical strategies—often with flexible scheduling and in the convenience of teachers' homes.

classrooms@work/tools@hand

A Web-based program, classrooms@work/tools@hand, gives teachers a way to hear, see, and gain from others' experiences. Several examples are provided from real classroom projects. Each project is organized into five sections:
  • Learning that works: complete project overview and learning goals
  • Working together: student groupwork, calendar, and management
  • Using workspaces: technology arrangement, scheduling computer use
  • Assessing learning: reflection, assessments, scored student work
  • Supporting success: collegial teams, school leadership, content standards