Relative Advantages of Integrating Technology into the Classroom
We are on our way to significantly changing the way we help students learn. Technology has brought about new ways to teach the content areas in school. Not only are we enabling students to be more engaged and present information in a more effective way, but we’re also helping students to gain 21st century skills. Edutopia lists these important skills as follows:
Many textbooks and teacher materials are not sufficient for teaching and covering our standards. When teaching about history, we are limited to pictures in textbooks or read alouds. When technology is used, students can attend virtual field trips, and view videos that show people interacting during these times. They can see the material they’re studying in context, and not simply on a page of their textbook. Edutopia states that “effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts.”
Not only do students and teachers recognize the benefits of integrating technology into the curriculum, but studies have shown the positive effects. Edutopia reports that “The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) found that, when used in collaborative learning methods and leadership that is aimed at improving the school through technology planning, technology impacts achievement in content area learning, promotes higher-order thinking and problem solving skills, and prepares students for the workforce.”
Here are some examples for integrating technology into a Kindergarten class:
Mobile Learning Apps
Language Arts Learning Activities
Art, Music, and PE Resources
Resource:
Why do we need technology integration? (2007, November 5). Edutopia.com. Retrieved November 11, 2012 from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance
- personal and social responsibility
- planning, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity
- strong communication skills, both for interpersonal and presentation needs
- cross-cultural understanding
- visualizing and decision making
- knowing how and when to use technology and choosing the most appropriate tool for the task
Many textbooks and teacher materials are not sufficient for teaching and covering our standards. When teaching about history, we are limited to pictures in textbooks or read alouds. When technology is used, students can attend virtual field trips, and view videos that show people interacting during these times. They can see the material they’re studying in context, and not simply on a page of their textbook. Edutopia states that “effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts.”
Not only do students and teachers recognize the benefits of integrating technology into the curriculum, but studies have shown the positive effects. Edutopia reports that “The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) found that, when used in collaborative learning methods and leadership that is aimed at improving the school through technology planning, technology impacts achievement in content area learning, promotes higher-order thinking and problem solving skills, and prepares students for the workforce.”
Here are some examples for integrating technology into a Kindergarten class:
Mobile Learning Apps
Language Arts Learning Activities
Art, Music, and PE Resources
Resource:
Why do we need technology integration? (2007, November 5). Edutopia.com. Retrieved November 11, 2012 from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance