What does technology integration mean to me?

Technology integration is having a fully implemented technology syllabus in each course that the students are studying. It is more than just having students create a website or a film with their peers or for them to learn word processing skills in a computer lab at their school for one of their core courses. In a collaborative multimedia project students use a whole new set of skills and depend on their peers in ways that were not done in the past. Teachers accept a new paradigm for accepting and grading student work in a variety of different types of media. Integration is when a student and teacher go beyond the private submission of written texts and exams between the teacher and the individual student.

To be a facilitator of technology integration requires a great deal of flexibility and open mindedness from the teacher as well as the administration in the school. Teachers must continue to take classes, attend workshops, conferences, and meet with colleagues. Teachers must also be avid readers of educational blogs, wikis, podcasts, professional journals, skype and twitter. They must stay abreast of technology and education trends and how they relate to student learning. For a teacher to be a successful integrator they must plan classes regularly, be informed and reference curriculum for the different grade levels. As Dave C. would like to say you have to nurture your Personal Learning Network (PLN) so that you can grow as an instructor.

Reference:

Bannon. B. & Puckett. K. (2007). Preparing to use Technology. Boston: Pearson Education.

Implementing Technology into the Classroom.

Implementing technology into the classroom is an issue that schools and teachers are being faced with. From what I have read and learned over these past few weeks real changes in student learning need to happen to ensure the correct development for students so that they can be prepared to work in a modern world that is saturated with technology.

Management of the classroom during technology enhanced learning means that students and teachers should be comfortable with the technology and the process that is being implemented. The teacher needs to plan and understand that different types of possible problems may arise such as: equipment use, technical support, establishing norms for student behavior during a technology enhanced class, and a creditable way to assess the student’s performance.

As stated in the five stages of development into technology the teachers need to address these different steps and apply them to their curriculum. These steps are adoption, adaptation, appropriation and invention. As stated by Sandholtz, Ringstaff and Dwyer (1994) the initial stage is usually painful and difficult for the teacher. They may often have to go through a lot of difficult meetings and can often take some lengthy convincing to parents and to the school that they work in to start the implementation of technology for their students. But, once they get started everyone will see the benefits.

As teachers there are a lot of factors to consider when implementing technology in the classroom. First confidence can be built through a well planned lesson plan that provides a sense of direction. Daily or weekly plans should and are typically required by school administrators. These lesson plans are the components that lead to a unit plan and to the overall curriculum. These changes will slowly take place from lesson plan to lesson plan leading to an overall change in the curriculum to include technology.

To continue and enforce a change into curriculum takes a clear and precise listing of materials, resources, and technology that are needed during the lesson plan. The teacher must consider and think about what is going to be needed to successfully complete the lesson plan. The teacher must have options available for all students whose materials are not available for the student’s personal use.

Another aspect that teachers must consider when implementing technology is the adaptations for special learners. For many of the students technology can be a useful tool when planning for these types of challenges. Examples given by Bannon, and Puckett are that if a student has difficulty with reading then the student can listen to the text read aloud using text-to-speech or screen reading software (2007, chap. 1). If a student has difficulty in written expression then the student can include developing an electronic template to provide structure for a report or a paper, or allowing alternate forms of student reporting such as multimedia, or hand held scanners.

There are many options and ways for teachers to get started on changing how they teach and work with students who are used to learning in a digital world. The initial change is difficult but once they make the initial steps towards change all teachers should know that they helping to bring in a new curriculum that can lead to better learning for all students.

Reference:

Bannon. B. & Puckett. K. (2007). Preparing to use Technology. Boston: Pearson Education.

Hello

This is my first time blogging and of course having my own blog! I like the fact that blogging is a bit more private for friends family and maybe one day a potential employers!