The Integration of Technology
The integration of technology in schools is vital in today’s day and age. For students and teachers alike, cell phones, computers, and tablets are now a part of daily life. Therefore, it’s only reasonable for students of all ages to explore the use of technical tools in the classroom to construct meaningful learning experiences. There are many ways in which technology can become an integral part of the learning process. The use of different forms of technology in the classroom, including a virtual classroom, produces learners that are actively engaged in learning objectives. Technology also provides opportunities for differential learning within a wider classroom environment to address the specific needs of students as individual learners. Using technology during classroom instruction will promote student participation for both listening and visual learners. The integration of simple PowerPoints, games, internet homework assignments or online grading systems will make a difference in the growth of students in the classroom. As a teacher, I integrate technology in so many different ways in school. Technology is used every day in my class, so it has become a seamless transition from paper and pencil to working on the laptops. I am lucky enough to have a laptop for every student in my class, and because of this, I can provide more instruction through the use of technology. My students use their laptops to review and study for upcoming quizzes or tests. I give the links study guides for my students to go on and practice the standards taught before an assessment. What’s also useful is that I can do spiral reviews for my students throughout the school year. This will allow my students to continue to practice the standards that have already been taught earlier in the school year, so they don’t forget it! Technology has become such a massive part of classrooms throughout the world, that it is so easy to find resources, links, assignments, quizzes, games, videos to supplement the content that is being taught by the teacher.
For example, I use Google Classroom with my students. I have been using it for the past couple of years. Honestly, I was reluctant to start using it in my class because it seemed a bit overwhelming at first. However, I gave it a try and haven’t stopped using it since!
The amount of learning that goes on with the integration of this technology is mind-blowing. I get to set up assignments tailored to each student. This is perfect for reading and math since the academic levels of my students range from one end to the other. Another significant benefit is that students get immediate feedback. Students get to see how they scored immediately and also what questions they got wrong so that they can see their mistakes. Some programs even provide extra help with the items the student got wrong by providing similar questions for the student to answer. Teachers can also communicate more effectively with parents when technology is integrated into the classroom because they are invited to become part of the school. They receive updates and the most current grades weekly. Google classroom is just one of many ways technology is integrated into the classrooms. There is an abundance of other apps, videos, programs, and websites that provide parents, students, and teachers the ability to use technology. I also find success when the ability to use technology in classrooms is available. As technology is used for educational instruction, there are many benefits to this because teachers can differentiate instruction to meet the needs of their students. Not all kids learn the same way and at the same time; however, integrating technology into the classroom will provide the students the ability to learn at their pace and in different ways. This will allow the virtual learner to learn more quickly because technology is full of animation and visuals. It also provides opportunities for the auditory and kinesthetic learners to learn because it provides opportunities for students to listen and use their fingers to work out a problem. Technology is used so much in our daily lives that it just wouldn’t make sense for it not to be integrated into all of our classrooms. It’s the way of the future, and it’s here to stay!
Citations
How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom. 2020, drexel.edu/soe/resources/student-teaching/student-teaching/how-to-use-technology-in-the-classroom/.
Christensen, Debi. “Why Do We Need Technology Integration in Education?” Classcraft Blog, Classcraft, 22 Aug. 2019, www.classcraft.com/blog/features/why-do-we-need-technology-integration-in-education/.