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Stages of Technology Integration
For a teacher to be able to integrate technology into their
classroom; they need to ask themselves one question “As an educator, where am I
at, in using technology in my classroom”? No matter what level or stage you
find yourself at, there is always room for improvement. The author indicated, that
a “study done by Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Project found teachers to be at
one of five stages” (Maloy, Verock-O’Loughlin, Edward, 2013, pp.).
(1) Entry
– An entry teacher is just beginning to learn about technology information. Basic
skills are needed in technology and computers before new knowledge can be
applied.
(2) Adoption
– An adoption teacher knows the basic in using technology in the classroom but
will only use it occasionally.
(3) Adaptation
– An adaptation teacher, will integrate “new technology” but will only use
technology as part of teaching.
(4) Appropriation
– An appropriation teacher, is very comfortable in using technology in and
outside of the classroom
(5) Invention
stage – An invention teacher, is a teacher looking an exploring new ways to use
technology in and outside of the
classroom (Maloy, Verock-O’Loughlin, Edward, 2013, pp. 301-302).
Right now, I find myself at the invention stage. I have
always been open to exploring and learning new technology and by taking this
class Transforming Learning with New
Technologies, I feel I have been exposed to so much new information there
should be another level. It is a known fact that students benefit when teachers
use technology on a regular basis. There are positive learning developments when
computers and technology are used in the classroom. For example, collaboration
and problem-solving skills improve, students become self-starters, share
knowledge and communicate more effectively Maloy, Verock-O’Loughlin, Edward,
2013, pp. 302).
Research has shown that technology use and student
achievement are not measuring up, to standardized test scores. Essential
conditions need to be in place for technology to create changes in education. The
author has stated that there are seven reasons that is causing this problem.
1. Professional development for teachers are a must.
2. Technology needs to be aligned with curriculum standards.
3. Technology integrated into daily learning – not as add-on
instruction.
4. Differentiate technology use to match personal learning
needs and student feedback.
5. Student need the opportunities to use technology
collaboratively.
6. Technology should support project based learning and
include real world situations.
7. Leadership and support – teachers, administrators, family
members and students must be involved in technology (Maloy, Verock-O’Loughlin,
Edward, 2013, pp. 302).
Why is technology use and student achievement not measuring
up to standardized test scores? From what I have seen, there are two problems.
1. Teachers are not getting the education they need to use technology in the classroom.
2. Computers or technology are not in
the classrooms. Teachers may have a computer but do not have the internet. If I
did not have internet in my classroom the computer is nothing more than a paper
weight.
Features of a Technology-Integrated Classroom
Not only, do teachers need to know technology and how to use
it; they need the tools to integrate it into their classroom. They need, what
the author described as a “smart classroom”. What would a smart classroom look
like? For the 21st century teacher, this would be a dream come true.
Imagine having a classroom with computers, tablets, internet connections,
digital projectors, interactive whiteboards, digital pens, videoconferencing
systems. WOW!! But what good are the
tools if they are not integrated into the classroom. I think it is one thing to
have technology available in our classroom, it is another not to have teachers
with technology, knowledge to integrate it into the classroom. I heard someone
say “Teachers, not technology, is the key to unlocking student potential”. I
think this statement is true. Technology integration can only be effective when
teachers are trained in technology, have knowledge of technology and have a positive
attitude towards technology. One more factor must be in place for integration
of technology to take place and it comes from the school administration to the
state level. Then and only then will technology integration take place in the
classroom (Technology
Integration).
Technology Integration Issues
“Six issues that occur for classroom teachers that directly
affect their efforts to integrate technology into teaching” (Maloy,
Verock-O’Loughlin, Edward, 2013, pp.).
1. Administrative support and teaching style. For
integration of technology to be a successful, professional development training
is a must. I think teachers need to take some kind of a technology course at
least every two years; if not ever year because technology changes at a fast
rate and old technology can become obsolete. School administrators should be a support
system for teachers; when new technology causing changes (Technology Integration).
Teaching style – With technology in the
classroom, there is no longer a need for the teacher-centered style teaching; this can be hard for some teachers.
Teachers roles are changing to setting project goals, facilitating and
providing resources and guidelines for students to follow. As students work on
computer projects the teacher walks around the room asking questions, making
suggesting or just looking over their shoulders to make sure they are staying
focused (Effects of
Technology).
2. Unwillingness to change favorite lesson
plans. During my observation hours I was giving some advice by a teacher.
“Once you find the grade you want to teach and make lesson plans you like and
they work, keep them and use them year after year”. Now, to be fair to this
teacher; the only technology in this classroom was a computer for the teacher
and a whiteboard. If the teacher had more technology, would she use it; I don’t
know. Some teachers would say, how can I integrate technology, when I have no
technology to integrate. And here lies the problem; the state and school
districts are dragging their feet.
3. Reluctance to use technology in new lesson
plans. Integrating technology into the curriculum will mean finding ways
computers can help me to develop lesson plans. I think once teachers become
comfortable with technology they will not want to make a lesson plan any other
way.
4. Use of technology as a reward or punishment.
I would not use technology as a reward or punishment. Computers and other
electronic devices should be used for academic purposes, period.
5. Use of technology as an add-on to other
activities. I would use a video to introduce a lesson. Videos and movies,
should not take the place of opportunity for other learning activities.
6. Use of technology to separate students by
ability groups. I would not separate my students by their ability. When it
comes to technology student’s ability can surprise you. When students are put
into groups they learn off of each other. Students should be given the
opportunities to learn (Effects
of Technology).
Effects
of Technology on Classrooms and Students. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2016,
from
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Laughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edward, Sharon
A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming
Learning with New Technologies, 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson
Education, Inc.
Technology
Integration | Ideas That Work. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2016, from
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech176.shtml
