Part 1

There are actually 7 LoTI levels (0-6), but we will only focus on levels 1-4. How can you determine the LoTI level of a project? Use these guidelines to help you.

Level 1 - The teacher uses technology for management tasks, such as recording grades or sending email. The teacher embellishes or enhances a teacher-directed lesson with technology, but the students are not using technology. For example, a teacher could show a powerpoint presentation to the students to introduce a lesson.

Level 2 - Students use technology in the curriculum at the knowledge, comprehension, or application level of Bloom's Taxonomy. Technology can be used as an extension activity, enrichment exercise, or tutorial to reinforce the content being studied. The key is that at this level, students are not engaged in higher level thinking. For instance, after studying the layers of the earth, students draw a model of the earth's layers on Kid Pix.

Level 3 - Students use technology in the curriculum at the analysis, synthesis, or evaluation levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. For example, students could complete a Web quest in which they compare and contrast fairy tales they have read. Students then have to rewrite a new ending to one of the fairy tales and present their original version of the story on a Powerpoint slideshow.

Level 4 - Students use technology to identify and solve authentic problems relating to an overall theme or concept. For instance, students may wonder why there are "ozone action days" being reported on the news. Students could research what an ozone action day is, how air pollution causes the problem, and why it is dangerous for people. Students may research possible solutions to prevent ozone action days by reducing air pollution. They develop multimedia presentations, brochures, and a Web site to inform people in the community about how to reduce air pollution.

You can also ask yourself the questions on this page to help you determine the LoTI level of your project.

Proceed with Part 2.