Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many
by Edutopia Staff
Technology is ubiquitous, touching almost every part of our lives, our communities, our homes. Yet most schools lag far behind when it comes to integrating technology into classroom learning. Many are just beginning to explore the true potential tech offers for teaching and learning. Properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy.
VIDEO: Harrison Central High School: A Commitment to High Tech
Running Time: 9 min.
Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals.
Many people believe that technology-enabled project learning is the ne plus ultra of classroom instruction. Learning through projects while equipped with technology tools allows students to be intellectually challenged while providing them with a realistic snapshot of what the modern office looks like. Through projects, students acquire and refine their analysis and problem-solving skills as they work individually and in teams to find, process, and synthesize information they've found online.
The myriad resources of the online world also provide each classroom with more interesting, diverse, and current learning materials. The Web connects students to experts in the real world and provides numerous opportunities for expressing understanding through images, sound, and text.
New tech tools for visualizing and modeling, especially in the sciences, offer students ways to experiment and observe phenomenon and to view results in graphic ways that aid in understanding. And, as an added benefit, with technology tools and a project-learning approach, students are more likely to stay engaged and on task, reducing behavioral problems in the classroom.
Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun. Return to our Technology Integration page to learn more.
This article originally published on 3/16/2008
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Comments & Responses
Technology Integration
I am currently working towards a master’s degree in integrating technology into the classroom, and have recently started utilizing technology in my lessons. Becoming proficient in new and emerging technologies is vital to the future of education. Technology is constantly changing and becoming more advanced; it is more prevalent in our every day lives and in the workplace. In today’s society it seems that almost every student has a cell phone that is more powerful than a computer, an iPod capable of viewing live podcasts from the internet, and an understanding of various technologies that would puzzle most adults. As students become more technologically savvy it is crucial for educators to remain up to date with current trends, and use these technological tools to enhance instruction. I have started to utilize smart boards to improve the clarity of some of my lessons, and the difference in student proficiency is evident when comparing groups of students who received the same information with and without the use of technology. Although technology is an incredible tool to improve class instruction the biggest problem is that many school systems are slow to adjust to these new trends. In my school we have three computer labs available to all teachers who request their use. Each lab is equipped with a smart board, a computer for every student, and laser jet printers. Although these great resources are available for all teachers, very few actually take advantage of them; many teachers shy away from these new teaching methods because they are unfamiliar with how to use these resources for instruction. I think to truly maximize the potential of technology in education schools should offer workshops to being teachers who are unfamiliar with these methods. If the schools were able to offer more support to teachers then everyone would be able to use technology in their instruction, which would lead to increased knowledge retention and development of practical abilities in all students.
Technology Integration
I am currently working towards a master’s degree in integrating technology into the classroom, and have recently started utilizing technology in my lessons. Becoming proficient in new and emerging technologies is vital to the future of education. Technology is constantly changing and becoming more advanced; it is more prevalent in our every day lives and in the workplace. In today’s society it seems that almost every student has a cell phone that is more powerful than a computer, an iPod capable of viewing live podcasts from the internet, and an understanding of various technologies that would puzzle most adults. As students become more technologically savvy it is crucial for educators to remain up to date with current trends, and use these technological tools to enhance instruction. I have started to utilize smart boards to improve the clarity of some of my lessons, and the difference in student proficiency is evident when comparing groups of students who received the same information with and without the use of technology. Although technology is an incredible tool to improve class instruction the biggest problem is that many school systems are slow to adjust to these new trends. In my school we have three computer labs available to all teachers who request their use. Each lab is equipped with a smart board, a computer for every student, and laser jet printers. Although these great resources are available for all teachers, very few actually take advantage of them; many teachers shy away from these new teaching methods because they are unfamiliar with how to use these resources for instruction. I think to truly maximize the potential of technology in education schools should offer workshops to being teachers who are unfamiliar with these methods. If the schools were able to offer more support to teachers then everyone would be able to use technology in their instruction, which would lead to increased knowledge retention and development of practical abilities in all students.
I have recently started
I have recently started coursework in pursuit of my masters in Integrating Technology in the Classroom. Students today are well versed and reliant on technology. Cell phones, iPods with WiFi, text and instant messaging are a part of their everyday lives. With the addition of 3G phones and unlimited data plans, students will be tethered to the internet at all times. By taking an interest in the technology that my students already know, I am able to better engage and enhance their learning. In fact I believe that through offering distance learning at the high school level we can begin to tap into learning mechanisms that are currently being used with great success at the collegiate level. I have already made a conscious effort to integrate technology into my lessons, and this degree will enable me to strengthen my technology skills and innovate further in the classroom. Technology is no longer simply a way to supplement instruction but an integral part of everyday classroom teaching and student learning in order to better prepare students to compete and thrive in today’s society. Technology is also essential for distance education. Distance education is no longer a key learning mechanism for college level students only, but also for those students on home hospital teaching or in alternative education environments.
integrating technology
Greetings,
Thanks for your article. I'm wondering, how do you survey student prior knowledge about technology and usage. Is there a survey you can share? I'm in a Mac lab after years of being away from the lab. I've kept up with a lot of tech practices while I was in 5-8 grades. I'm doing podcasts now using Reader's Theatre scripts, and the kids just LOVE preparing and recording their plays. (www.tekkidsps85q.podomatic.com) Please check out some of our Pcasts. I'm also blogging with 2-5 graders (www.tekkids85.ning.com) Thanks. I'm looking forward to reading more about your work. Linda
Technology in classrooms
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on technology intregration. I like the part where you said how you find out what your students already know technologically, and use that to enhance their learning. At the primary level, we hear constantly how important using a child's schema is to create authentic learning opportunities. It makes so much sense that using a child's prior knowledge of technology would be beneficial as well. I am sure it could provide the possibility of differentiating their instruction ad making their learning more meaningful. If we find out what they know, we, as teachers, could design more appropriate lessons for our individual students, that integrate technology. I know the students in my school have had minimal learning experiences with technology, and they are in great need, in order to be prepared for the world they are living in!
Technology in Classrooms Reply
Thank you for your response. I find it interesting that you teach at the primary level while I teach secondary math yet we have similar views on technology in the classroom. I feel that it is my responsibility to teach my students not only the academic skills that they will need beyond high school, but also communication, organization, and technological skills that are required to be successful today's society. Today’s high school graduates face an uncertain economy where jobs are scarce and only the best of the best will have the opportunities to succeed. I want to make the math concepts that I cover in class to be relevant to my students' lives. I am fortunate to teach in a technical high school with a plethora of opportunities to apply the mathematical concepts that we are learning in class to real-world situations. Many trade areas not traditionally reliant on technology have evolved to use technology on a daily basis. For example, my students that have auto mechanics as their trade area are able to hook my car up to a diagnostic computer and tell me why the check engine light comes on. These are high school students that have this technology in their school! The world is certainly changing in regard to technology and it is our responsibility as educators to do all that we can prepare our students for each new step - elementary for secondary, secondary for college/the workplace, etc.
Technology in classrooms
I enjoyed reading this! I feel so strongly about the benefits of integrating technology into classrooms. I teach at a primary level and I am concerned at the minimal opportunities that are provided for both students and teachers. It is first very evident that the school system that I teach in provided very few resources in the area of technology. Computers alone are scarce. We have a computer lab that contains about 25 computers. We share that lab amongst an average of 500 students. In classrooms, we have 2. Anytime that I want to do anything with my students on a computer, other than as a station, I have to sign-up to use the lab. It is hardly ever available! Aside from that we have nothing! I have tried requesting funding information as well as staff development opportunities, with no luck. I feel like I am standing alone! Most teachers in my system are anti-technology. This is not because they are not good teachers, but they are educated on how to use different methods of technology, or on how they can benefit our students' learning. I agree that technology is so much more than basic computer skills, but we don't even have enough computers! The education community is lagging severely behind the 21st century, and we are lagging behind even more! The ones who are truly suffering, are our students, who have needs that are not being met!
I also teach a primary grade,
I also teach a primary grade, kinder to be specific. Last year I taught first. I am looking for technology that would apply to my students that would give them a sound foundation that they can draw from when they get to the secondary grades. Please share any that you know of
Thanks
Technology plays a huge role
Technology plays a huge role in the existence of humankind in the 21st century. There are advantages of using technology and there are also some disadvantages. However, as the world innovates and that everything merely depends on technology, it isn’t bad at all to have a wider apprehension on how technology could be constructive to everyone especially now that the economy is not good. Even the soundest financial planning comes up a bit short. There are payday loans out there if you need a short term credit solution. To qualify, first you have to be employed, and have an open and active checking account. Look at it this way, they aren't raising their rates like banks are, and they don't check credit – and they also haven't gone running to D.C. for a bailout. So if you need a short term credit solution, look into payday loans in today's economy.
Tech resources and discussions
Just wanted to share with everyone that each Saturday morning at 11am CST/12pm EST I am part of a team that co-hosts a weekly online broadcast about tech tools in the classroom. Regardless of what content area you teach, I believe you will find great resources to add to your teaching repertoire. On our archive pages, there are links to recordings of past shows on many of the tools related to the comments I see posted here. I share this not just as a shameless plug for our show, but to share an opportunity to hear and learn about technology tools from subject matter experts and teachers in the trenches that are using technology to enhance their instruction. Please join us if you can and check out the website for great resources at http://live.classroom20.com. Hope to see you there!
Kim Caise, NBCT
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