Instructional Technology Literacy for Educators

Today’s generation of student requires instruction that is learner-centered and interactive. Technology is an essential component of the active learning process and should be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum.  Using technology is not an isolated event.  Fundamental to integration of instructional technology resources is the need to understand how learning and teaching has changed due to technological advances.  Educators must understand that the use and application of technology must be safe, equitable, fluid, and ethical.  Today’s educators require troubleshooting skills, the ability to assess and manage the integration of technology, and the capacity to identify the authenticity and the credibility of resources and technology.

Due to the evolving nature of technology, as illustrated by the Horizon Report, and the varying needs of districts, classrooms, and students, it is essential to continually evaluate current trends and available technologies and their instructional implications.

To be a 21st century educator and work with today’s students, educator preparation programs and school districts need to plan for and develop instructional technology literacy for all educators.  Based on this essential understanding, educators from around the state assisted in developing the following list of current (2011) instructional technologies and resources vital to classroom instruction. Educators identified technologies in two categories:  those technologies widely used and require proficiency, and those emerging technologies that all educators should be exposed to.

Productivity Suite Software (word processing,
spreadsheet, database, presentation software; e.g.,
Microsoft Office)*
Online Collaboration Tools (e.g., Google Apps, Skype)
Web conferencing (e.g., GoToMeeting, Webex)
Learning Handheld Devices
Internet Search Strategies
Interactive White Boards
Interactive Response Systems and Software
Content Management Systems (e.g., Moodle)*
Data Management Tools (e.g., data dashboards)
Digital/portable video cameras (e.g. Flip cameras)*
Online/Distance (global) learning tools
Badgerlink
ECB (Education Communications Board) Resources
Video Resources (including online)
Blogs, Wikis
Social Media/Web 2.0/3.0 (interactive
communication tools)
Professional virtual learning communities

Assistive technology for accommodations
Interactive Applets
Network Structure
Podcasting/Vodcasting
Mobile Computing
E-textbooks and assessments
Document Cameras and other display technologies
Backchannel Communications (e.g., Twitter)*
Social Bookmarking (e.g., Diigo)
Educational Gaming
Digital Storytelling Programs

In addition to using the technologies previously listed, the following is a breakdown of technologies specific to particular instructional areas.

Film and Digital Cameras
Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator)*

Electronic Keyboards
Music Design/Development Software

Advanced Production Suite Software
(e.g., Microsoft Office)*
Accounting Software
Web Design/Development Software (e.g.,
Dreamweaver, Drupal, Joomla)
Digital Cameras and Photo Enhancement Software
Desktop and Graphic Design Software (e.g.,
InDesign, Illustrator)
Financial Calculators
Point of Service Software
Voice Recognition Software
Video/Graphics Editing Equipment and Software

Vernier Probes
Data collection handheld devices and apps
Standard and Digital Mircroscopes
Modeling Software

Medical Equipment Operation
Body Systems/Pathology Software
Healthcare Informatics
Patient Simulation Systems

Graphing Calculators or apps
Dynamic Software (e.g., Geometer’s Sketchpad, Fathom)*
Spreadsheet Software
Virtual Manipulatives

Computer Aided Design Software
3D Modeling Software (e.g., AutoDesk)*
CNC router/lathe/mill/plasma Software (e.g., MasterCam)*

Library Automation Software
E-readers and e-books
Collaborative Annotation Tools

Return on Marketing Investment Calculators
Recency, Frequency, Monetary Software
Credit Card Processing Applications
Point of Service Software

Standard and Digital Microscopes
Modeling software

GPS Software and Equipment (e.g., Arcview)
Landscaping Software
Vernier Probes/Equipment

Multiple software/hardware tools for effective instruction with students with disabilities, examples include:
Screenreading Software (e.g., Kurzweil 3000)*
Picture Communication Software
(e.g., BoardMaker)*
Voice to Text Software (e.g., Write Outloud)*
Touch Transfer Software (e.g., Touch Window)*

Online Language Lab (e.g., Webswami)*
Online Dictionaries
Mapping Web 2.0 Tools (e.g., Google Earth)*

*Software or technology listed here does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Public Instruction, nor are these examples a complete listing of possible options for the classroom.