SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY RATIONALE

 

The following guidelines are designed to assist you with developing an effective rationale for the uses of technology in your teaching. In particular, the guidelines should assist you as you explain how a particular technology application or product corresponds to one or more of the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T).

Rationale

In developing your written rationale for the artifact, consider the following elements:

 

  1. CONTEXT: Explain where and when you developed the artifact and where you intend to use the application or product (i.e., what grade, subject, student population? will the product be used in the classroom or a lab?)
  2. IMPACT: Explain what your students will be doing and learning as a result of this technology application/product and/or how it will support your teaching. So what?
  3. ALIGNMENT: Explain what the connection is between your technology application/product and the NETS-T? Which standard or indicator of the NETS-T does it relate to most directly?* Why? Which performance indicator within the standard does the product address most specifically? Cite the specific indicators by letter in your explanation. (Consult the full listing of standards for this purpose).

*Categories

  • TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS.
  • PLANNING AND DESIGNING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND EXPERIENCES.
  • TEACHING, LEARNING, AND THE CURRICULUM.
  • ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION.
  • PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.
  • SOCIAL, ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES.
Some Writing Hints

 

1. Consider your audience; in most cases, the people reading your rationale will be your university instructors and, quite probably, classroom teachers; they may or may not be familiar with the particular application you describe so be specific in explaining.

2. Be certain to identify carefully the exact competencies you believe are being addressed by the use of the application/product; mention/cite them by number and name.

3. Be flexible in your explanation; if it makes more sense in your explanation to begin with item C above and work back to A, do so; however, all items must be addressed.

4. Limit yourself to one or two well organized and developed paragraphs. Use appropriate language, and complete sentences; check your spelling and punctuation. The rationale is, like all of your work, a reflection of you as a teacher.

 

This document is available at the following URL: http://pm.appstate.edu/~spagnolo/techres/rationale_guidelines.htm