What is technology integration?

Yes...what is technology integration? There are as many interpretations on this question as there are teachers, I think. And most of the ‘thinking’ on this question has been shaped by years of forcing the ‘stuff’ of technology hardware downthe throats of teachers and administrators. That, along with skill-based professional development.

Some other questions: Why integrate technology? How do we do it...most effectively?

Technology integration has definitely become one of the black holes in most schools. How many teachers and administrators (leaders) have the ability to effectively answer these questions? How can we most effectively get them there? ‘Tis the big question!

Posted by Randy on 09/07 at 07:42 PM

  1. Exactly, these are questions never discussed in schools. 

    I think technology integration means having the ability to conceptualize and implement teaching practices that incorporate technology.  To do this requires at least the following:

    -- Comfort with technology (some skills)
    -- Disposition to experiment and create (new pedagogy)
    -- Ability to learn from “failure” and mistakes

    I’m realizing that integration takes a LONG time, because we are attempting to change people’s core being.  We’re asking faculty not to teach from habit and experience, but to embrace the unknown.  Not easy to do.

    Then most of us in schools (Administrators) have been distracted, impatient, and unfocused on actually leading an integration strategy… so it often leads to a reinforcing cycle of failure.

    Thoughts?

    Posted by  on  09/08  at  12:39 PM

  2. Wow...what an eloquent description of technology integration...one that captures the essence, I think, of what is incumbent upon us to do.

    For too long, we have focused on developing the skill piece, with little emphasis on the experimentation and reflection pieces....most certainly because, like you said, they are not easy...and they take time to develop.

    I am really concerned about the future consequences of our inaction on our students. I fear that a majority of our students will leave school with limited skills...skills that will not serve them well in a world where it will be necessary to be able to learn how to learn.

    There needs to be more discussion in our schools on the things you point out in your post. Thanks for contributing.

    Posted by  on  09/12  at  08:28 PM

Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Smileys

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Submit the word you see below:


Next entry: The World is Flat - And how does it pertain to education?

Previous entry: The World is Flat

<< Back to main