Technology integration within schools has allowed for a whole new world to appear! The use of technology has transformed the way in which our daily lives function, communication, teaching, learning, and so much more. “Technology has revolutionized 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 into the curriculum improves students’ learning processes and outcomes.” (EduTopia, 2007) Technology has created a revolution within the education world, and has transformed the learning process in order to aid in improving student achievement. In order to best gage the true benefits of technology integration, we must first understand the meaning of same. According to Debi Christensen, technology integration is the well-coordinated use of digital devices and cloud computing as tools for problem-solving, deeper learning, and understanding. Christensen also expresses, that technology facilitates assess to curriculum but is not the curriculum itself as teachers guide technology as a tool for accessing and understanding educational content.
The use of technology integration cannot occur overnight, as there is significant and meaningful planning that must occur prior to. “When technology integration in the classroom is seamless and thoughtful, students not only become more engaged, they begin to take more control over their own learning, too. Effective tech integration changes classroom dynamics, encouraging student-centered project-based learning.” (EduTopia, 2007) The changes in the overall dynamic of the classroom may seem daunting and unsettling, but the positive effects in which technology integration has on student-centered learning may ease some of those concerns. “Technology and interactive multimedia are more conductive to project-based learning. Students are engaged in their learning using these powerful tools, and can become creators and critics instead of just consumers.” (EduTopia, 2007) As an educator, I feel that the ability to allow students to spearhead their own learning creates powerful, independently thinking, and bold younglings who can grow and develop into positive, contributing members of society. “Research conducted in technology rich classroom environments has suggested that students who learn through technology are more engaged and invested in their learning. Technology generates an environment that supports synergy, collaboration, and dynamic, hands on learning. Compared to classrooms where traditional instructional methods were used, technology rich classrooms supported student sharing and developed an awareness of self-motivated learning.” (Wieking. 2016, p.5)
There is more to technology integration than just what occurs within the classroom. This self-motivating, hands on, collaborative and dynamic approach allows for students to experience new and developing technology used to enhance their overall education. “Technology assumes a larger role in student learning as more and more K-12 institutions identify technology integration as a school initiative to prepare students to be globally engaged, civically responsible, and an active learner in the 21st century.” (Wieking. 2016, p.3) The new world in which we live in truly revolves around technology. With the unfortunate events brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and integration of technology has increased tremendously. We have seen, first hand, the positive effects that technology can have on the community, the nation, and the world. Without technology, where would we have been throughout the horrific and trying times of COVID-19? How could we communicate? How would we know about the pandemic? How would we have continued educating? Technology has been able to accommodate almost every aspect relating to work and school. Without it, this pandemic would have looked completely different.
Overall, technology integration is the future of education. “Authentic and meaningful technology integration is a relationship between the teacher, the student, and the curriculum. Technology is the vehicle that makes it happen.” (Christensen, 2019)
References
(2007, November 5). EduTopia. Why Do We Need Technology Integration? Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance
Christensen, D. (2019, May 15). Classcraft. What Does “Technology Integration” Mean? Retrieved from https://www.classcraft.com/blog/features/definition-of-technology-integration-in-education/
Wieking, B. (2016, December). Northwestern College. Technology Integration and Student Learning Motivation. Retrieved from https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=education_masters