Technology Integration

Technology integration means a lot of things to a lot of people. Below are examples:

  “I use the computer and game software in my class as a reinforcement of skills we have covered.”
  “Students in my class are required to advertise for events using Microsoft Publisher.”
  ”Students use the Internet to find information for their reports.” 

  “Students play math games.”

  “Students create movies.”

  “Students blog.”
  “All of my students must turn in their essays in word-processed form.”
  “I use PowerPoint to make presentations to/for my class.”  “Students also create their own presentations.”
Are these examples of technology integration? One might argue that each of these examples integrates technology. But…the real issue is not if technology is used in the classroom, the issue is whether or not technology is enhancing the learning in some way. Below are three simple questions to ask yourself when trying to determine technology’s worthiness in a given lesson or situation.

1. Is the lesson content worthwhile? (Are there clear objectives, connected to standards. real-world aplications, or significant questions, etc.)
2. Do the lesson activities engage students?
3. How does technology enhance the lesson in ways that would not be possible without it?
4. You may notice that of these three questions, only one actually deals with technology. The first two are about good teaching. Without good content and teaching, technology is somewhat irrelevant.

The technology-related question is quite challenging for many educators. Of the eight sample ways teachers integrate technology mentioned above, how many of those could provide positive answers to our questions? Does the teacher that has her class use the Internet for research ask significant questions of students in their research, or are students searching the internet for information more easily and readily found in a book in the school’s media center? Are the PowerPoint presentations students create about assigned countries simply reproductions of paper-and-pencil versions, or do they allow presentation of the material in a way that aids in conveying the information? What is technology integration? It is all about good teaching. Educators that are integrating technology well into their classes don’t just use it for the sake of saying they did. These skilled professionals use technology tools when appropriate, to make the content more meaningful, interesting, understandable, and real for their students.