I wrote this for one of my masters classes on February 18, 2009. It was good to know that I felt then that technology should be used not just to use the tools but it to actually be used to enhance learning. (This was during my pre-twitter days too!)
The school that I am currently teaching at purchased 6 new SMART Boards last year. Every student in 3rd-8th grade has access to a SMART Board. This year's school auction will raise money to purchase even more SMART Boards to be installed at our school. I have had the opportunity to work with a SMART Board this year so I decided to research how technology is implemented into the classroom and some of the challenges facing teachers and administrators who are trying to include technology into lessons.
Is technology enhancing the learning of students? That was the biggest question that I found that needs to be answered regarding technology in the classroom. If the technology is being used to teach higher-ordered thinking and critical thinking skills, then it is more likely to enhance student learning. If it is being used more in completing routine tasks, then it will not be a benefit to students.
The supervisor as a technology instruction leader must value technology in the classroom, set the vision for technology in the classroom, and provide training opportunities as well as appropriate hardware, software, and materials. In addition to these things, the supervisor should model good use of technology and encourage constant evaluation of how student learning has been enhanced by technology.