BY: Donyae Arroyo
In an increasingly technological world, it is imperative that we give our students an upper hand by not only introducing them to technology but by integrating it within lesson plans/ curriculum. This, with the inclusion of empowering students to take ownership of all of their advances, and opportunities alike. Rather its through sparse, basic, comfortable, or seamless integration; studies have show that a little goes a long way.
First things first, let’s address “what is integration of technology?”
Integration of technology in the educational world is using programs and various softwares, to allow students to capitalize on real-world applications. This manifest itself as students being able to flexibly, and interchangeably use technology. With the inclusion of being exposed to various content in ways that allow students to have a very hands-on, and engaged approaches towards content.
Next, the why and how of integration of technology.
The integration of technology done right will allow scholars to have an in-depth understanding of content. It will allow educators and administrators, alike the data results to confirm that knowledge gained. It engages scholars in less favorable subjects due to its ability to make relative connections and physical examples. Thus, allowing scholars developing in a tech-obsessed generation to take ownership of their education. Also, do to being able to go into depth, a student is able to transition from simply comprehension to application and critical analysis. While finally incorporating technology within classrooms empowers students to be aware of the educational benefits and applications that technological advances truly allow.
Now the how,
Administrators, you can work with your educators to identify which core areas your students could really use the boost of integrating technology. Proceeding this you can decipher which content should be delivered, identify the best software for your objective, video usage for mini lessons, adding multimedia elements to presentations ,visual Manipulatives, running learning stations, study reviews, online maps and collective class brainstorms.Allowing creative and hands on assignments like students creating products, designing bridges and the list goes on!
Maintaining a successful technological integration!
This means maintaining a program that is consistent, routine and transparent. Easily accessible and readily available for the objective at hand. Also accessing programs that are complete and of total support of the student’s educational goals. With the inclusion of data result reflecting students efficiently and effectively the culmination of success. Therefore, it’s an effective incorporation of technology that allows you to achieve students who are empowered enough to objectively select tools to aid them further obtain information in an appropriate and timely manner. This includes students having the ability to analyze and synthesize the information, and in turn, present this same information in a knowledgeable and articulate manner. This means that the technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions.
NOW EXAMPLES
Some examples of great software/ programs to use within your classrooms are: Project-Based Activities, Game-based learning, and assessments, learning with mobile and handheld devices, interactive tools; like simulations or smartboards. Web-based projects and explorations and research. Or even empowering your students and giving them hands-on student-created media projects like Podcast. These can also be identified as redefinition, modification, augmentation, or substitution based learning assignments. Resulting in various ways to approach various learner styles and learning objectives alike.
In short the ultimate objective of integrating technological advancements within education is to allow our scholars to learn like never before. We have the ability to redefine how we learn and teach in the same breath. With the addition of being able to learn things more in-depth, and faster. With data results backing its success!
Work Cited: Guido, Marcus.
“25 Easy Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom.” Prodigy, 20 Feb. 2019, www.prodigygame.com/blog/ways-to-use-technology-in-the-classroom/. Person. “What Is Successful Technology Integration?” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 6 Nov. 2007, www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description.
Dockstader,Jolene THEJournal,Jan99,Vol.26Issue6,p73,2p