2. Technology Integration
Technology Integration is a term used by
educators to describe effective uses of
technology by teachers and students in K-12
and university classrooms. Teachers use
technology to support instruction in language
arts, social studies, science, math, or other
content areas. When teachers integrate
technology into their classroom practice,
learners are empowered to be actively
engaged in their learning.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
3. Technology integration is not:
Taking students to the computer lab
once a week for 40 minutes
Using the computer as an electronic
worksheet
Using the computer as a reward station
for students who are finished with their
other assignments
4. Technology integration is:
Part of the daily activities taking place in the
classroom
Supporting and extending curriculum
objectives in a seamless manner
Engaging students in meaningful learning
Enabling students to demonstrate what they
have learned in new and creative ways
5. Traditional vs. Integrated
Teacher-oriented Student-centered
Single-sense stimulation Multi-sensory stimulation
Single-path progression Multi-path progression
Single media Multi-media
Isolated work Collaborative work
Information delivery Information exchange
Passive learning Active/exploratory/inquiry-
based learning
Factual, knowledge-based Critical thinking and informed
learning decision-making
Reactive response Proactive/planned action
Isolated, artificial content Authentic/real-world context
6. Support Instruction
Teaching that emphasizes active engagement
helps students process and retain
information. It leads to self-questioning,
deeper thinking, and problem solving.
7. Using Technology for Differentiated
Instruction
United Streaming
Text to Speech Tools
Magnifier
Use activities from lower grade level for
at-risk and from higher grade level for
talented and gifted.
Have students create and present
powerpoints.
8. Using Technology for Differentiated
Instruction
Use United Streaming videos to
introduce, teach, and review or re-teach
a concept and complete the quizzes.
CAST – Teaching Every Student!
9. Small Group/Flexible Group
Students are engaged in meaningful activities
• Games
• Activities
• Research
• Projects
– Real World
– Simulations
• Communication
– Write/Publish (Blogs and Wikis)
– Presentations (PowerPoint)
– Multi-media Correspondence
(email, Podcast, Vodcast)
10. Student Engagement
Content is appropriate and linked to
students’ knowledge and experience
Students actively involved in activities
and assignments
• Re-teach
• Practice
• Extend/Enrich Learning
11. Environment
Classroom design is conducive to
varied learning opportunities
Resource materials are accessible
Technology is incorporated
Display student work
A fundamental challenge for many teachers is using computers to create innovative learning experiences for their students. During my work as an instructional technology specialist, I have found that there are four questions not raised or answered as schools begin to implement instructional technology. These questions could affect the way teachers see technology integration, use computers, and embrace the changes that occur as technology is placed in their classroom.
What is technology integration? A common misconception is that educators know the answer to this question. Teachers are often expected to integrate technology without having a working definition of the concept. Technology integration is not simply using the computer as a “tool.” This view of the computer as a tool misleads educators by implying that computer technology is like any other tool, i.e. black board or overhead, which requires little or no training or may not need to be used. Also, the concept of “computer as a tool” allows educators to continue implementing traditional, subject-based, teacher-directed lesson plans where the computer remains an “educational add-on”. In other words, technology integration is not:
Technology is integrated when it is part of the daily activities that take place in the classroom. It is used in a seamless manner to support and extend curriculum objectives. The primary goal is not to use technology for the sake of using technology, but to use technology to engage students in meaningful learning and assess their understanding of a particular topic. Technology enriches an activity and enables students to demonstrate what they learned in new and creative ways.