The final product for this content strand will be the presentation of data to support instructional decisions for the school improvement plan and a communications plan to share school performance data with multiple constituent groups. Highlights of technology supported lessons will be demonstrated so that administrators may understand the kinds of technology that teachers need in order to make an impact on student learning, and what a technology supported lesson, unit or module look like. This strand will provide administrators with tools for observing the uses of educational technology in the classroom. The initial investigation could begin with measurement of the diameter and circumference of several cylindrical containers of different sizes. Students would enter these data in a spreadsheet program on the computer followed by setting a column for dividing the circumference by the diameter.
Students make observations about the results.
Options might include looking for significant digits, the difference between the accepted value and the computed value, error of measurement and accuracy. Students could log onto the Internet to investigate the development of p from a historical perspective and search for various uses of the ratio in physics, astronomy, etc. As a culminating activity, students would prepare a report either in written format using the word processor or an oral presentation supported by presentation graphics with Power Point. In learning teams administrators will observe teaching and begin the process developing a rubric for evaluating technology-enriched teaching. Most administrators have some experience with computer tools, but have never taught with those tools themselves, because the advent of technology postdates the years they spent as teachers.