Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many

Technology definitely adds an extra dimension to the classroom, giving teachers more ways to inspire and capture the imaginations of their pupils. It’s important to make sure however, that teachers are given the training to ensure that they are comfortable with this integrated technology, and are able to harness it’s potential effectively.

Information and knowledge are a gift, and the internet and other multimedia outlets allow that gift to be shared with such a wide range of people, including todays students. I feel that technology is essential in the classroom in our ever changing world. Children today are already more adept with technology than previous generations so the future classroom will need to be filled with technology to satisfy the thirst that up and coming generations will have for a constant stream of up to date information.

It seems like we are at a stage in education where the students are more adept to using technology than the teachers. I personally attended a very rural school in which I obtained little to no technology experience. Currently almost everything is technology and our world as we know it is evolving rapidly to become dependent on technology alone. As the article stated, technology does contribute greatly to the 4 components of learning and I agree that this could be beneficial for students. The article also claimed that increased technology reduces behavioral problems in students and I'm not so sure that technology would have that effect. Technology is a bit of a privilege and might increase behavioral issues as well depending on the county. With mature and responsible students, I believe we could advance our rank in global education. The United States is not at the top in education anymore by any means. Last time I checked we are 18th out of 36 countries. If 18 out of 36 was a score on a test it would be an "F". More education involving technology could be a factor that separates us from other countries and increases overall knowledge as a country.

This is my first semester as an education major, so I am in the mist of learning a lot about the classroom setting. I never really thought of having a lot of technology in the classroom, until this article. I see how technology affects our community and the world and it makes since that we would start the use of it at an early age. I think that technology is something that would and could keep the classroom interesting for children. Technology seems to keep their attention and they always want to play with some kind of device, whether is be a computer or a phone. With children being exposed to things such as the Ipads, phones, the internet and much more at an early age it seems to make sense to continue that into the classroom. There is so much that technology can bring to the classroom. Technology allows kids to explore the world without stepping one foot out of a classroom. It amazes me what all technology can bring to the table. I think it's a great idea to integrate!

As I have had the experience to work in different classrooms, I have enjoyed those classes where technology is a part of the learning of the class. The best teachers understand that to open the world to their students they have to provide a way for their students to get out of the classroom. In these classes, I have observed the use of smart boards, video editing, blogging with other classes in other countries, etc. This equipment was not only used by the teachers, but also the students.

I agree that the role of teachers has changed to be a more advisory role. With the use of technology, students have resources from all over the world and the classroom teacher no longer has to be the only expert, but becomes the expert facilitator to specialists from all over the world.

I fully agree with this article. Technology is such a big part of society; most kids, even at a young age, have smart phones, laptops and iPods. Integrating technology into the classroom will teach kids skills they will need in the "real world" as well as keeping them engaged in learning. Most kids love watching TV and playing video games, so why not integrate something they like into the classroom? As the article said, this will lower classroom shenanigans and behavior problems, as well as teaching kids skills they can take with them as they move on in life.

I agree 100% on integrating technology that will help students learning and to explore new things on internet. The hands-on-activity which I believe that will develop more understanding for students to visualize on different objects to solve any problems skills in the classroom. Early childhood Education we write integration lesson plan to teach our three and four year old children, and technology is one of our great integration lessons for children to go on youtube.com and select any songs or poems for young children...to sing along with some actions to add on.

I agree that there are many reasons to integrate technology in the classroom. One important reason is how the use of technology is able to reach out to different learners. I have found, as commented in this article, that students are more likely to stay engaged and on task when technology is integrated in the curriculum. It makes sense that in turn, behavioral problems in the classroom are greatly reduced.
The article also points out four "key components of learning": active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. While reading these four components, I reflected on my own experience with the use of the SmartBoard and interactive websites in the classroom and agree with each point. As a teacher, I have found teaching to be exciting and enriching for myself as well.

The best way to prepare our students for their future careers is to provide them with as many hands on, engaging experiences as possible. Technology gives students the opportunity to experience "the four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experiences" from a first hand perspective. Teachers who make the effort to enhance their lessons with technology foster the learning process, differentiate for students who learn by multiple intelligences, and make the experience meaningful and fun.

It is really important to continue to engage students with the use of technology.Most students come into the classroom with more experience then me in some cases and it is my job to keep them engaged. In today's society children are on the computer, listening to ipods, and playing computer games regularly. The article states "Properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy." The students of today are living in a technology based world and need to be prepared earlier then in the past. Technology can be used very effectivly if it is a part a well thought out lesson. There are certain things that technology can not replace but many areas of the curriculum that it can enhance.