Why Do We Need Technology Integration?

Article: Why Do We Need Technology Integration? 

Website: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance

Summary:

The article discussed how technology is becoming a major part of daily life and how most students have access to technology. On the other head students how do not have access to technology at home or outside of school, the use of technology in school is their only opportunity to interact with technology.

         This article discusses some of the benefits of incorporating technology into the classroom. The first benefit of technology is that the students are able to become creators and critics and not just viewers. Another benefit of technology is that students could learn personal and social responsibility, planning, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity, communication skills, decision-making, and the knowledge of how and when to use technology. These are all skills the students will need to have to be successful members of society after school.

         It is discussed how technology will improve the students educational experience the most when it includes active engagement, participation in groups, frequent feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Finally, the article discussed how technology allows the students to take responsibility for their learning while the teacher becomes the facilitator.

Reflection: 

         I agree that technology is the becoming a larger part of daily life. Most of my students have their own cell phone, i-pod, or/and an i-pad. They use their technology for entertainment, education, and communication. Not only do students have constant access but also teachers. Teachers not only use technology for their own personal lives but also for school. My grades, attendance, lesson plans, and communication at school are completed using technology.

         I agree that technology can definitely teach students skills that are beneficial in society. Using technology can teach students to take responsible for their learning because the teacher is just a facilitator and the students are required to do the learning. I like using technology because it allows the students to be creators and critics. They are able to create their own works and critic other students’ works.

         I have done research for other classes and projects about the most sought after skills employers look for. None of those top skills included school subjects but more so the skills that students can learn from technology and projects. I think these are also skills that teachers need to try to incorporate into their lessons or activities because they are the skills that will help make the students a successful member of society.

          I think that technology is becoming a major part of our students' lives and the educational field could benefit from its use. I wish that my school district was able to incorporate more technology because we only have two stationary computer labs to share amongst the junior high and high school classes. The only form of technology available to use in my classroom is an LCD projector which makes it difficult to incorporate technology when it is not easily accessible.