Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Technology Integration in the Content Area, Including Early Childhood, Educationally Challenged, and Multidisciplinary Units

What factors must the teacher consider when planning to integrate technology?

In addition to considering factors when formulating learning activities, the text also lists several factors that must be considered when integrating technology into learning activities.  The following is a list of some of the factors mentioned in the text:
  • How will the classroom change as a result of technology integration?
  • What type of technology best fits the learning purpose?
  • How can an activity meet both curriculum and national technology standards?
  • How will students be organized when working on the activity - individually, in pairs, in larger groups?
  • What might make a computer the best tool to use for the activity?
Teachers must consider these questions when planning a technology-integrated lesson.  This will help ensure that technology is actually integrated, rather than just tacking it onto a lesson, as has been mentioned in class.  The teacher needs to make sure that technology is meaningful in the lesson.  If it does not fit in the lesson, it is better just to leave it out.  But usually it can be incorporated if the teacher considers these and additional factors when planning.


Bitter, G. G., & Legacy, J. M. (2008). Using Technology in the Classroom (7th ed., p. 232-233). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

5 comments:

  1. Very good point that technology needs to be integrated so that it is meaningful. If it is tacked onto a lesson without any real purpose than it is not effective. Just like all other aspects of lesson planning, technology has to consider all factors to make sure that the integration is successful.

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  2. I agree with you Casey. All these factors are important to consider. The classroom may change a great deal once technology has been integrated but teachers must be willing to make the changes in order to benefit the students.

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  3. We definitely need to make sure that technology needs to be meaninfully integrated and well planned in order to be sure that it is not just tacked onto a lesson. Although planning a technology rich lesson takes more time and careful planning, I think it is well worth the extra work.

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  4. It is important for teachers to consider how the students will be organized during the technology lesson. If this would be the first time intorducing new techcnology many students will be confused and have many questions. It may be suitable to place students in pairs so they can work through the task together. Depending on the speciifc task this is important for the teacher to consider when planning.

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  5. Making sure the technology is meaningful is the biggest part. So many teachers get away with misusing technology and bringing up pointless sites and things that are just inappropriate. Hopefully administrators can crack down on this and ensure that there are meaningful things being done in the classroom with technology.

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