As communication tools, technology supports a collaborative school organization and culture by facilitating informed relationships between parents, teachers, students, administrators and community members. Through conversations between members of the learning community, reflective and critical habits of mind become routine. Students learn democratic habits that are crucial in a pluralistic school and a pluralistic society in which people are allowed to come to very different conclusions about the world. The interactive technologies are used to help students move from passive absorption of information to habits in which they are able to frame arguments, consider evidence, and apply judgment creatively to develop media literacy, powerful and flexible thinking in communicating about and solving problems. New technology is evaluated on the bases of how well it improves progress toward established goals including student motivation, responsibility for learning, and clarity in communication.
Technology is integrated into the classroom with professional support for teachers.
Teachers take a critical view of the design, content, and use of new learning tools in relation to the curriculum and its specific learning goals and in relation to teaching practice. Computers are used as a knowledge medium. Computers are used to create mental bridges between hands-on knowledge and symbolic knowledge. The technology is driven by the curriculum needs and the classroom use. The computer will assume the role as an amplifying medium for the concepts brought forth from the curriculum.