The purpose behind this guide is to provide teachers and technology coordinators suggestions for integrating technology into the content areas in a structured, developmentally appropriate manner.
Each grade level's pacing guide organizes the technology standards into four instructional quarters. The technology standards in the left-hand column are the Arlington Public Schools' technology objectives, which are correlated to the six areas of the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Studnets (NETS · S) and to the Virginia Computer/Technology Standards of Learning (VA C/T SOL).
The top right box lists themes, enduring understandings, and essential questions to be developed by each grade level. Enduring understandings are the big ideas teachers want students to uncover and grasp in their units of study. The essential questions are the focal points for unveiling the content. Enduring understandings and essential questions are aspects of Wiggins and McTighe's Understanding by Design instructional design format. One quarter from each grade level describes the theme as da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci is the exemplary project at Barcroft Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia, where this guide originated. The da Vinci project is a six-week fully integrated unit incorporating all subject areas, is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning, and was developed using Wiggins' and McTighe's Understanding by Design format.
The middle right box addresses content area typically covered during the specified quarter. Barcroft Elementary School teachers established the content pacing.
The bottom right box suggests lesson plan ideas for integrating the technology standards into the content areas. The lessons range from discussions to projects. Implementation time varies from mini-lessons to unit-long projects. Suggestions on software programs also are listed.
Lesson plans are being added continuously! The intent is to have an Understanding by Design-structured lesson for each Integrated Idea included in the Pacing Guide.
Comments, questions, or suggestions about this Integrated Pacing Guide should be directed to Amy Scott, Instructional Technology Coordinator via email: amyscott@vanta.net .
Download complete Integrated Technology Pacing Guide (PDF).
