TEACHING MODULE
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Technology Integration
Why Do We Need Technology Integration?
The benefits of integrating technology into the classroom.
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Technology is a part of children's lives. It is transparent. Many homes have computers and Internet connections. As prices of technology drop computers and other digital devices may replace television as we know it. The technologies of today bring the tools of empowerment into the hands and minds of those who use them.
Now, walk into a classroom. Are there computers and if so, are they being used? How are they being used? Technology is revolutionizing the way we think, work, and play. Technology, when integrated into the curriculum, revolutionizes the learning process. More and more studies show that technology integration in the curriculum improves students' learning processes and outcomes. Teachers who recognize computers as problem-solving tools change the way they teach. They move from a behavioral approach to a more constructivist approach. Project-based learning takes place utilizing interactive multimedia and telecommunications technologies. Students are engaged in their learning using these powerful tools.
Another reason for technology integration is the necessity of today's students to have 21st Century Skills. These 21st Century Skills include:
- Personal and social responsibility
- Planning, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity
- Strong communication skills, both for interpersonal and presentation needs
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Visualizing and decision-making
- Knowing how and when to use technology and choosing the most appropriate tool for the task
Technology helps change the student/teacher roles and relationships. It promotes project-based learning styles. It engages students in their learning processes. Students acquire and use higher-order thinking, analysis, and problem solving. They take responsibility for their learning outcomes. Teachers become guides and facilitators. Technology lends itself as the multidimensional tool that assists the process. For economically disadvantaged students, the school may be the only place where they will have the opportunity to use a computer and integrate technology into their learning.
There is a growing body of evidence that technology integration positively affects student achievement and academic performance. The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) found that, when used in collaborative learning methods and leadership that is aimed at improving the school through technology planning, technology impacts achievement in content area learning, promotes higher-order thinking and problem solving skills, and prepares students for the workforce. Look at the research findings on student learning in CARET's Questions & Answers for the question: "How can technology influence student academic performance?"
The study "The Future of Children: Children and Computer Technology" by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, suggests that technology can enhance how children learn by supporting four key components of learning: (1) active engagement; (2) participation in groups; (3) frequent interaction and feedback, and (4) connections to real-world experts.
I wish to use this module as a source in a paper I am writing. Can you give me the resource in APA style?
Edutopia citation
Shaffner, Marian. 2002. Technology Integration Instructional Module. The George Lucas Educational Foundation.
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I liked the site and found it to be full of knowledge and information!
Free technology integration training module
this is good becuase it has all the info that u need on why to knowing that technology needs to be used and how it is used
The benefits of integrating technology into the classroom
I really enjoyed reading this article. It enlightened me on just how important technolgy usage in the classroom is. It also made the statement about teachers become the facilitator and a guide. This allows students to become more independent in their learning. I can't wait to read more!
21st Century Skills
The skills listed in this article are critical for students. I am looking forward to learning ways to use technology to help fine ture these skills; especially critical thinking and knowing when and how to use technology and choosing the most appropriate method. I think it could transform both my teaching style and my students learning.
Why is technology integration important?
CARAT Q&A: For me, the 6 attributes about using technology and their impact on student learning gives creedence as to why I am attempting this course. It reminded me that technology is just a tool and you need proper and well thought plans on how you are going to use it. It requires of me a new mind set....
facilitator, project-based learning, cooperative learning, social interation within the content learning.....
Technology in Classrooms
Since being in a computer lab setting for the past 5 years, I have seen an increase of computers in the homes of our students. The ratio of those that have them are much greater than those who don't. Therefore, it is much easier for us as teachers to begin posting our assignments on the home web pages at school and the parents can check them. It is much easier to communicate via email with students and the parents. I have seen a huge increase in parents telling us that it is much easier to get in touch with them by using email.
As for our teachers, each year more are requesting projectors in their classrooms to use them for more technology projects, videos, etc. It took us a long time to get our older teachers past the "fear" stage of using higher tech equipment in their rooms. Technology is limitless to what we can do in our classrooms.
Integration
This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read the about the Tech. Integration Instruction Module. I will refer back to this as I move into using more tech with the teaching of math, science and writing.
I integrate technology but not enough and there is so much for me to learn. I don't have any problems with have my tech savvy students help me learn something new. Hopefully this project will open up many new resources for me.
I know technology is integrated to the development of skills one need to develop these days. But unfortunately what happens in most of the institutions is that they buy the technology, for example computers, internet etc,. and forget about the application, they don't teach children use technology as an assistant to complete their assignments, search knowledge and use it effectively in practical life, on the otherhand, it there to show the outside world, people have to learn to incorporate the technology, whatever be it, to the learning.