This guide is organized into six sections:
- Introduction
- Why Integrate Tech?
- What Is Tech Integration?
- How to Integrate Tech Tools
- Workshop Activities
- Resources for Tech Integration
Technology integration is the use of technology resources -- computers, digital cameras, mobile devices like smartphones, iPads and other tablets, software applications, the Internet, etc. -- in daily classroom practices, and in the management of a school. Technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent. Technology integration is achieved when a child or a teacher doesn't stop to think that he or she is using a technology tool.
Technology integration is achieved when technology is accessible and readily available for the task at hand. Technology integration is achieved when technology tools support the curricular goals, and help the students to effectively reach their goals. Students are more actively engaged in projects when technology integration is a seamless part of the learning process.
Students at an editing station match music to images in a tribute to the firemen of 9/11.
The acceptance of change is a major requirement for technology integration. Technology is continuously, and rapidly, evolving. It is an ongoing process. It demands continual learning. Change is not always easy. The initial human reaction to change is resistance. Resistance makes for slow change, but change is inevitable.
When effectively integrated into the curriculum, technology tools can extend learning in powerful ways. These tools can provide students and teachers with:
- Access to up-to-date, primary source material
- Methods of collecting and recording data
- Ways to collaborate with students, teachers, and experts around the world
- Opportunities for expressing understanding via images, sound, and text
- Learning that is relevant and assessment that is authentic
- Training for publishing and presenting their new knowledge.
You will find many videos and articles with examples of successful technology integration in the Resources for Tech Integration section of this guide.
Continue to the next section of the guide, How to Integrate Technology Tools