Week#1

Technology Integration: Ideas That Work


Starr, Linda. "Education World ® Technology in the Classroom Center: Technology Integration Ideas That Work." Education World® The Educator's Best Friend. 2009. Web. 19 Aug. 2010. .

Summary:

This article is intended for classroom use. The article states that teachers are less comfortable and less familiar with the technology they use than their students. “ They struggle to seamlessly integrate a growing list of technology tools into their regular curriculum.” The article entails a very in-depth list of technology integration ideas to meet the needs of today’s diverse classrooms. The article offers advice to educators allowing them to make better use of technology tools for instruction. The article is also intended to help students improve their technology skills within the context of the regular curriculum. Integration activities include: activities that utilize the Web, PowerPoint, Excel, digital photography, SMART Boards, and more.


Reaction:

This is a great article in reference to integrating technology into the classroom. Time and time again, I find that teachers are not familiar with the technology they have chosen to use for a particular lesson. In turn, I believe that there is a great deal of trust or faith lost in the teacher. This shows that they are unprepared and did not take the time and do their research for the lesson presented. Then the teacher must figure out how to use the piece of technology integrated, which can cause a catastrophe, our biggest fear, classroom management issues. If the lesson does not flow smoothly with nice transitions and no errors then chaos is about to bust loose. I think that teachers are afraid to integrate technology into the classroom for that exact fear that something might go wrong. As stated in the article teachers need to let their imagination go. If the idea for their integrated technology is a success then fantastic! If the technology integrated fails then teachers can tweak along the way or go back to the drawing board. I think its great that this article touches on technology from an administrator’s perception. This is simply due to the fact that if the technology integrated into the school is not backed and supported by administration then how can it succeed as a whole. It is stated in the article that if administration is not informed most technology integration is fragmented and lacks cohesion. I feel that this piece presents an ample amount of technology integration that is appropriate to the context. This piece shouldn’t only be read by teachers, but by those in the district who can support teachers in making great technological decisions. A structured, supportive go to group of people.