JRobbins Why Integrate Teachnology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many

http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction

Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons Are Many

There's a place for tech in every classroom.

JRobbins Short Reflection:

 

Now a days, our kids are more technological then we are as adults. The question is what are they doing with all this technology? If properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy.

Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. It must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts.

Learning through projects while equipped with technology tools allows students to be intellectually challenged while providing them with a realistic snapshot of what the modern office looks like.

New tech tools for visualizing and modeling, especially in the sciences, offer students ways to experiment and observe phenomenon and to view results in graphic ways that aid in understanding. And, as an added benefit, with technology tools and a project-learning approach, students are more likely to stay engaged and on task, reducing behavioral problems in the classroom

Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun.

Technology Article-Elle Engebretson

Set Students Free With Technology in Schools

By: Robert Schwartz

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-schwartz/technology-schools-students-_b_2102010.html

While this article was published in 2012, it makes valid points as how important technology is in the classroom. Huge strides have been made in schools throughout the country to implement more technology in the classroom. However, with technology comes concerns and fears from educators as to how to monitor students when using technology. When monitoring students using technology in the classroom, teachers and administrators are almost limiting the potential of what students can do with the technology. The article, Set Students Free With Technology in Schools, discusses this topic of regulating students, and how instead of putting strong limits on how and when students use technology, let them explore and teach the teachers about the technology they know.

Students today are tech-savvy and technology is part of their daily lives. Students are constantly on the web whether they are exploring sites, YouTube videos or on social media. Today, students know more about technology than some teachers. The article suggests giving students more responsibility when using technology in the classroom. Instead of teachers using technology as a way to give tests or create simple PowerPoints, allow students to help be the guide with new technology. Schwarts gives three suggestions on how to improve how technology is used the classroom. First, give students specific tasks and teach them about new technology. Allow them to explore a new site or gadget that will benefit them outside of education and in the real world. Second, create a safe and open environment where students understand that exploring on their own is crucial and where peers help one another. Lastly, teachers must explicitly teach values and the importance of how to properly use technology in the classroom, and how the technology correlates with the school's curriculum.

After reading the article, I agree that students do need to be able to explore more with technology in the classroom. I know that in the past, students have taught me a great deal about technology that they are currently using that I had no idea even existed. While yes, students need to have rules and regulations on how to use technology, they should be able to explore on their own and help teach one another. One point that the article made that I think is very important is that authentic tasks and technology need to be taught in the classroom. There is an abundant of technology resources teachers can use now in the classroom that were unavailable before. This generation of kids are so technology driven that using these resources in the classroom will be beneficial and truly impact learning. 

Jen Wilson-- Technology in the Classroom

How Technology is Helping Special-Needs Students Excel:
 http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2013/03/how-technology-helping-special-needs-students-excel

Technology has made it easier for special education students to participate in the general education classrooms. Today's devices make it possible to download several available types of  assistive technologies:  text-to-speech, sound amplifiers, braille displays, e-books, etc.  Theses technologies allow students to understand concepts which in turn helps them keep up with their peers.  One school in the article uses interactive whiteboards for the deaf and hard of hearing to help solidify vocabulary and language. Students are able to touch the screen and move words around to make sentences.  The teacher also encourages students to explain their thinking which also helps them gain a deeper understanding and allows her to estimate the students' level of understanding. The whiteboards along with software called Microsoft Lync can also be effective tools for the visually impaired. For example, if used during math, the teacher can watch the student complete math problems and if any errors occur can show the student what to do differently and why.
Special education students who use assistive technologies:

• are able to work more independently
• are more confident
• are more able and willing to work collaboratively
• advocate for themselves
• challenge themselves
• seek new opportunities

Technology in the Classroom: Helpful or Harmful?

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/effective-technology-teaching-child/

Using technology in the classroom can be a dilemma for teachers. If it is new technology, the teacher must first learn how to use it correctly and effectively. Questions the teacher should ask:

• Does the technology support class instruction and objectives? 
• What is the privacy policy for students who use the program? 
• Will it be helpful to student learning?

Think about how to integrate the technology with curriculum rather than a stand alone tool. Use reliable resources to critique the application. For math, many students would rather play a flashcard game on-line than practice with paper flashcards. Many sites provide feedback about the students level of progress and allows the teacher to track progress. O

Technology can enhance learning, but it cannot replace the role of teachers and parents.

~Jessie Meinke

Technology Tools in the Classroom - Online Article

Article Title: The Most Powerful Tool in the Classroom

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-wike-loyola/the-most-powerful-tool-in_b_6012136.html

It is clear that technology is becoming a more prevalent tool in the classroom. I know the district that I teach in is a 1-to-1 District where students grades 7-12 receive a laptop, and students 3-6 receive their own IPad. This push towards technology is something that will continue to become more popular as teachers find more ways to incorporate technology in their classrooms. The article that I read mentioned how in the past, teachers have always been the most powerful figures in the room and how students looked to them for answers to their every question. This is a trend that has definitely changed due to the infusion of technology. Students now have the ability to use their laptops to "Google" everything and find the answer to a question in seconds. The fact that we have so much information at our fingertips is truly amazing and allows all of us to be lifelong learners. 

I agree that our classrooms are changing before our eyes. In this day and age, students do not want to be lectured and take notes day-after-day. In my opinion, rote memorization does not lead to meaningful learning. The article mentions how the role of educators is evolving, we are now seen as coaches and facilitators, there to assist our students when they need help. However, no piece of technology will ever completely replace the importance of a teacher. As an educator it is my responsibility to keep my students on task, guide them to the intended end-result, and provide information/advice that they may not be able to find online. Teachers are the instrument to student success. 

Technology Article- Stacy Vancura

The article I read was called " Why Integrate Technology into the Classroom." Found here: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction

As I read the article, which is published in 2008, I was thinking about how common it is to find technology in classrooms now. At my current school, I am lucky enough to be part of a technology pilot. I think technology has greatly increased students learning experiences, just like stated in the article. I am a kindergarten teacher, and having access to six iPads at all times, six laptops and apple tv, the possibilities have truly been endless in the direction I can take my lessons. Even for the younger students, technology helps students get excited about their learning, as well as helps them gain confidence in their skills all while thinking they are simply playing a "game".
      The article also mentions briefly how technology allows students to differentiate student learning. I find this to be true, as I am allowed to assign certain skills to our reading curriculum website, where I feel students need the most improvement. I really enjoy using technology in my classroom, and I know the older grades are loving it to, especially since they all have their own device to work with.

Technology in the Classroom

This article that I read speaks about having more technology in the classroom. I am thankful to read this article as a teacher, as in college I was used to reading them and reflecting as a future teacher. Our school has a one to one environment but the 7th and 8th graders computers aren't in the best shape(and of course thats what I teach). I have found that using the technology can really help the students, but if the technology isn't working well it takes a lot away from class time. I like what this article has to say about "BOYD" or Bring your own Device. The article pointed out a few downfalls of this system; cheating or being off task, which I agree with. I have allowed students to use their own device to help them, but I haven't required it because not 100% of students will have their own device to bring. The article also comments on using Interactive Whiteboards such as smartboards. I have a smartboard in my room and I do not use it as much as I should :(. When I do use it I have noticed increased motivation and participation. The article states that the use of whiteboards like these should only be used if the teacher has full confidence in using the whiteboard and its features. In my class we have started to use more personal whiteboards to allow students to show their active participation to the teacher. This article states an interesting point under the section about laptops and ipads by saying that technology in the students hands allow the students to be exploring as they are learning. This puts teachers in more of a position to guide the students through the context rather than deliver it to the students in a traditional manner. In summary the article states that the instruction of the material should be matched by enough technology to enhance the learning of the students. I agree with the article because I think all students learn in different ways, and if students learn best using a technology resource, then they should be able to use that as much as needed.
 Technology in the Classroom