Technology integration involves incorporating technology into daily educational practices to enhance student learning and engagement, while technology use refers to the basic usage of devices without educational intent. Examples of integration include video conferencing with pen pals and blogging, which promote active learning, whereas uses like listening to music or sending emails do not contribute to academic growth. Both technology use and integration are essential, as one cannot exist meaningfully without the other in a learning environment.

1. Technology Use vs. Technology Integration By: Jackie Pyrz W401 Gamma Group

2. What is Technology Integration? Defined by the National Forum on Education, “is the incorporation of technology recourses and technology-based practices into the daily routines, work, and management of schools.” (Part 8) “ Educators and students incorporate suitable technology to engage in active participation, exploration, and research.” (Dr. Terry Bergeson) “ When teachers integrate technology into their classroom practice, learners are empowered to be actively engaged in their learning.” (Wiki)

3. Examples of Technology Integration Teachers can integrate video conferencing by pen pals that live in a different country. Students’ can ask questions, and converse with their pen pal about their culture and their ways. Teachers can integrate blogs by asking students to answer different prompts on their online journals. This will allow students to think about topics that were discussed in class. Note: These examples are all uses of technology, but they help to promote the educational growth of a student. These examples allow students’ to learn, and to think about the topics at hand.

4. What Is Technology Use? Technology Use is when electronical devices of any type is assessable for students to work on, and “use”. “ Instead of focusing on isolated, skills-based uses of technology, schools should promote the use of various technologies for sophisticated problem-solving and information-retrieving purposes (Means & Olson, 1995).”

5. Examples of Technology Uses Students can send e-mail to a friend. Students can use their I-pod to listen to music. Students can use the computer to play cards. Note: These are all used, but do not academically help a student to engage in active learning. You can do all of these easily without thought!

6. Same or Different? Technology Uses Technology use can be as simple as turning on you I-pod to listen to music. Using technology does not mean to academically gain anything. The use is the act of just doing, without having to think. Technology Integration Technology Integration means to use a electronic device to academically learn about something. Integration means to actively engage in learning.

7. Thought!! Technology use and technology integration are both very important. Without one there is not the other. For example, a teacher that does not understand how to “use” a program will be unable to “integrate” a lesson that is academically appropriate. Yes, integration and the use of technology are different but they are both very important!

8. Resources http://www.k12.wa.us/edtech/techintdef.aspx http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te200.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_Integration . http://www.virtualsalt.com/techuse.htm