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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 21^st 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

https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Laughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edward, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies, 2^nd 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