Cynthia Simmons
September 8, 2009
“Integrating Technology into Classroom Instruction”
Integrating technology into the classroom has become a controversial subject over the
past ten years. There are many opposing views concerning the research on levels of
academic achievement due to the increase of, or lack of increase of technology in the
classroom. Some say that instructional technology plays a vital part in today’s society.
Others say that the implementation of technology into the classroom only opens up
dangerous doors that lead to a pathway of internet predators and unnecessary expenses. It is
unfortunante that there is so much to offer our youth but yet in essence we also can open
Pandora's box. However, there are still some who insist that educators should expose our
youth to as much technology as possible so that they can be better prepared for the
upcoming workforce.
I am a firm believer of instructional technology being included in all K – 12 classroom
curriculums. This research paper contains information to support my thought s and beliefs
about how it is so important that students be given constant and frequent opportunities to
engage and submerge themselves into the world of technology.
Many years ago, educators would use cassette tapes, play a film or two, and maybe show
pictures related to certain topics and call that ‘integration of technology’.
The three articles that I read all concur that educators of today can be very effective
teachers through the use of technology- rich lessons in all classrooms. One article was titled
“Seven Brilliant Things Teachers Do with Technology”. The author, Doug Johnson, talks
about how to empower kids with technology. This is evident when he states, “Brilliant
teachers have experienced the empowering power of technology themselves. Brilliant
teachers use good assessment strategies to rigorously determine the quality of technology-
enhanced projects” [i][1](Johnson, 2009) The author also stated how we should use creativity
to find and use resources that puts kids in touch with the real world as it applies to them. He
believes that educators should be co-learners with our students as well. This is a powerful
statement, todays students can teach us a thing or two about "their" world.
Another article that I researched talked about ten things that are essential for successful
implementation of technology in today’s k -12 classroom. They are as follows:
• Successful instruction starts at the top. Superintendents, principals, and other key
personnel, need to commit to being supportive to teachers in order for the whole
technology-integration transition to be used as an effective tool in classrooms.
• Districts need to invest in a dedicated core team of teacher-computer specialists.
Teacher-computer specialists are people who are committed to using computer-based

educational technology, and who have the abilities and have had the opportunity to
gain a sufficiently high level of expertise to qualify them to act as role models, advisors,
and trouble shooters in matters having to do with computer-based educational
technology.
• The author believes that parents and students must be actively involved in the
evolutionary process. This is truly a must, otherwise its a open-book to disaster This is
evident when he states “There should be continuity between home and school. That
applies to all aspects of education. Parents should feel that their child's classroom is
their classroom, too. Today, in the United States at least, more and more parents have
an online computer for their child at home.”[2]
In conclusion, I am convinced that there is a definite need for instructional technology to
be included in the k -12 curriculum. The research conducted thus far, suggest that it is
highly beneficial to both students and teachers. I do agree it is highly beneficial and the
door to tomorrow
[1] Johnson, Doug (2009, February, 06). Seven brilliant things teachers do with technology. Education world, Retrieved
Feb. 6, 2009, from http://www.education-world.com
[2]
[i]2 Poole, B (2009, March 05). Ten pillars of successful technology implementation.
Education World, Retrieved from http://education-world.com

Works Cited
Johnson, Doug (2009, February, 06). Seven brilliant things teachers do with
technology. Education world, Retrieved Feb. 6, 2009, from
http://www.education-world.com
Poole, B (2009, March 05). Ten pillars of successful technology implementation.
Education World, Retrieved from http://education-world.com
Schrum, L (2000). Technology as a tool to support instruction. Education World,
Retrieved from http://www.education-world.com