A brief discussion of requirements and considerations for the development and implementation of technology in the mathematics class

1. Many factors have been identified that effect the implementation of technology in the classroom and the effect of that technology on student success.

2. 1) Skill and previous experience in using technology Both teachers and students bring varied skills and experiences into the learning environment.

3. 2) Time and opportunities to learn (pre-service education, professional development) Having the appropriate training is the second most important step in building a successful technology implementation program.

4. 3) Access to hardware (computers and calculators), software, and computer laboratories Access can be limited by limited budgets. As districts attempt to reduce expenditures it can become more challenging to justify the cost of expensive technical hardware.

5. 3) Access to hardware (computers and calculators), software, and computer laboratories (cont.) Computer labs are great if there is enough room and equipment in the lab for all of the students.

6. 4) Availability of Appropriate Teaching Materials The software must be appropriate for the students’ age and class. It must also be able to engage the student through the process of semi-independent learning.

7. 5) Technical support The classroom must have the support of the Information Technology Department to sustain an active and viable technology based program.

8. 6) Support from Colleagues and School Administration The willingness and ability of faculty members to help one another and share what they have learned and techniques they use can help the entire program grow and succeed at a much faster rate.

9. 6) Support from Colleagues and School Administration (Cont.) Support from the Campus and District level Administration is necessary to provide leadership and budgets for training time, hardware and software.

10. Curriculum and Assessment Requirements and Their Interpretation and Differentiation for Students How the curriculum is structured, assessed and differentiated for students of varying skills and abilities must be clearly defined and organized before the implementation of any successful program.