http://www.techlearning.com/article/2022
Everybody is talking about technology integration, but few practicing teachers profess to know exactly how to proceed. The fact is that real integration requires change. . . . However, what seems to be lacking is a model that teachers can use to guide them through the necessary changes they will need to make to be successful in integrating new technology into their classroom . Technology integration means viewing technology as an instructional tool for delivering subject matter in the curriculum already in place. Educators need to understand technology integration more completely.
What steps would you take to integrate technology in the classroom? Do you believe that technology can be easily adapted into your classroom?
I think inorder to integrate technology into your classroom you need a few things. You need a teacher who is willing to put in the time and the effort. You need the teachers to take professional developement classes on how to integrate technology into their classroom. The teachers have to be willing to work on their own to really get to know the technology they want to integrate. It is also really important that the school is supportive in the teacher's quest to integrate technolgy. If the school doesn't have the money to integrate technology, the teacher will have a difficult time doing it all together.
ReplyDeleteBefore a specific technology can be integrated into the classroom the teacher needs to master how it works. If they are trying to teach the students to use it they are gonna need to be able to answer any questions that arise. I think that's an issue with technology integration. For examples iPod touches come out and schools by them and then they just sit in the back closet because the teachers do not know how to use them! Then when they do attempt to take them out the students know more about them than the teacher! Technology integration doesn't happen over night, the teacher has to be willing to put the time in to learn the equipment. And honestly it shouldn't be a matter of willing to do so, they should HAVE to do so. We live in a Technology Era, they need to keep up with the "Jones" and get with the program.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those teachers who does integrate technology into almost every lesson. There are many educators that I work with who do not integrate any technology at all. The problem is that these educators have been teaching within their subject area for many years and they have seen results. Why would they change their technique if it works for them? This is the problem with some educators. They write their lessons and work themselves to the bone for the first two-three years of teaching and then some just ride along for the next 20-40 years. This is what needs to be changed in education. There are so many advantages to using technology in the classroom which is why it should be utilized. Hopefully us "pro technology" folk can push those who are coasting through their career to work a little harder and put some more effort into using technology.
ReplyDeleteIf you have no experience or are unfamiliar using technology, then integrating technology into the classroom can be extremely difficult. Therefore, you should probably attend a professional development workshop, research the technology, watch a webinar, etc. There is a wealth of resources online where you can learn how to use technology in the classroom. It is very true that technology integration requires change. It is completely different from traditional teaching methods and there is no problem acknowledging that fact so long that these methods are used correctly and effectively.
ReplyDeleteLuckily, one year from now, 6 fabulous experts on new educational technologies will go off to their schools armed with many outstanding professional development materials, ready to convert their colleagues! Seriously, I think programs like the one we are attending will help spread the ed tech movement. Teachers set in their ways can resist all they want, but they are looking more and more foolish while doing so. The benefits of technology are no longer debatable, and by being in this program, we are committing to helping other teachers learn how to use them effectively.
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