The earliest memory of technology I have was in forth grade learning how to type during computer class. Every week my class would file into the computer room, sit at our assigned seats, and type away like little robots. But, was I really learning anything besides how to rest my fingers on the keyboard? Was this weekly practice triggering any critical thinking skills or building knowledge? Yes, the computing was teaching me how to type, but could the technology be integrated into another subject? An example would be integrating spelling into computer class to practice spelling words. I have always thought that technology could be combined into different subjects and used frequently. Even though I am not strong in technology nor have I had a strong technology background, I agree with the authors Boss and Rao because I believe that technology is important in the classroom for growth in all subject areas, and should be used at appropriate times in the classroom. Technology is important, but shouldn’t be used as a crutch, students shouldn’t be placed in front of a screen to do whatever they should have boundaries when using technology and it should be beneficial. In my past experiences, I have noted that many of my teachers did not integrate technology, but rather simply, just used it. Integrating technology into general class subjects can be done in several different ways with different devices such as iPads, and interactive whiteboards. In a recent classroom observation, an interactive whiteboard was used to help the students work out math problems digitally. I detected that integrating technology into mathematics for problem solving had a better success rate then drilling problems. As An Introduction to technology Integration stated, technology should make the mediocre lesson better. Before reading the Using Technology Vs Technology Integration by Aditi Rao, I never really thought about the difference between using technology and integrating technology into a classroom. The article written by Rao completely changed my views on integrating technology and using technology. Using Technology Vs Technology opened my eyes to the difference between the two different uses of technology. Using technology described by Aditi’s article is summed up as follows: using technology is not planned; using technology is rare, and mostly used by the teacher to instruct (Rao, 2013). Technology should be integrated into a lesson plan and used regularly to improve learning. I have had teachers use technology in a lesson, but the technology was not integrated. An example would be a research paper I was assigned in the tenth grade. The teacher assigned me a topic and I did research. I question this situation, was I really critically thinking or was the computer doing all of the work for me? Using Technology Vs technology Integration also connects to understanding the difference between using technology for learning improvement and the use of using technology. She stated that technology should be used to build knowledge about information and not just deliver information. I think that Rao made a very good point about learning something and just memorizing the information and quickly forgetting it after a test. Building knowledge about a subject is much more beneficial than memorizing information. Technology, like all things, comes with pros and cons. Cons would include malfunction with the program or device that can turn your lesson plan in a different direction and keeping up with the newest technologies. Pros of technology are endless. The articleTechnology Integration, written by Susie Boss made a positive point about technology in the classroom: researchers have determined that when using extravagant learning goals rather than basic skills, technology will help students develop higher thinking and critical thinking skills (Boss, 2011). I agree with the statement that Boss made because children need to be challenged when using tools and technology helps provide this challenge. Technology is not one of my strong points, but I have learned an abundance amount of information about ways technology should be used in the classroom, what it does for students, and the difference between using technology and integrating technology. Works Cited 'An Introduction to Technology Integration' on ViewPure. (2012, December 12). Retrieved August 23, 2016, from http://viewpure.com/d59eG1_Tt-Q?start=0 Boss, S. (2011, September 07). Technology Integration: A Short History. Retrieved August 23, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-history Rao, A. (2013, March 29). Using Technology Vs Technology Integration- An Excellent Chart for Teachers ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning. Retrieved August 23, 2016, from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/04/using-technology-vs-technology.html
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AuthorHere are a few reflections about how I plan to integrate technology into the classroom effectively. . Archives
November 2016
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