Technology can be an appropriate vehicle for promoting purposeful, engaged learning. “It allows students to work on authentic, meaningful and challenging problems, similar to tasks performed by professionals in various disciplines; to interact with data in ways that allow student-directed learning; to build knowledge collaboratively; and to interact with professionals in the field. Technologies also can be used to promote the development of higher-order thinking skills and allow opportunities for teachers to act as facilitators or guides and often as a co-learner with the students.” (Gahala, 2001).

The primary goal of technology integration is to improve student performance by enhancing instruction and engaging students differently using 21st Century tools to meet state content standards. The task of integrating technology into the content areas requires ongoing collaboration among teachers and content specialists. Collaborating together is critically important, especially as Educators travel down the pathway of finding the best ways to develop and model the use of technology for the purpose of enhancing adult and student learning through the curriculum. The development and use of technology systemwide requires problem-solving and shared resources that can only result from a model of collaboration and shared expertise.

SDCS Educational Technology department collaborates closely with academic curriculum departments and school sites to integrate technology into all curricular areas, using a variety of low threshold technologies that support the needs of all students. SDCS uses technology to enhance and support teaching while helping students develop digital literacy through using technology tools to meet state content standards and learn 21st century skills.