I back! This semester is coming to a close and I must admit that it is bitter sweet. Today is more of a free write so I am going to write about the importance of integrating technology into the classroom.
Teaching in the 21st century brings new adventures for teachers that they did not have before. We are in the age where technology is a prominent part of everyday life. We have children who can work a iPhone before they can even read or write. With this being said I feel it is extremely beneficial to incorporate technology into the classroom. However, there are still many school that lag behind in the integration of technology.
An article on Edutopia states
"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. 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.".
From the teacher perspective using technologies like virtual lesson plans and internet resources can help free up time -- both in developing and delivering curriculum. Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means.
Another reason for technology integration is the necessity of today's students to have 21st century skills.
These 21st century skills include:
- 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
Lastly if you click here I found a great article called "10 Reasons Why Students Need Technology In the Classroom." It discusses more reasons as to why technology is important. The world changes everyday and we need to prepare our students for the future. By integrating technology we are introducing them to a whole new world of information that can help them become better learners and future adults.
References
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom
ReplyDeleteYES! Great post Christiana, I agree that integrating technology into the classroom is extremely powerful. Teachers can use technology to help plan and design lessons as well as incorporate into children's daily activities. In addition, I really liked the "21st Century Skills" portion of your post. I think these skills are often overlooked as many teachers feel technology integration is simply knowing how to use a computer. As teachers, it is our job to prepare students for a successful future, and one important way of doing that is to integrate technology into our daily curriculum.
Christiana,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post this week. I couldn't agree with you more. Technology integration is so important and needed in the 21st century teaching. I love how you included the link that supports reasons as to why technology is important. I visited the website and it was very informative and a great resource! Thank you for sharing! I hope you continue to make sure of all the great things technology has to offer in the classroom!
Christiana,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog post for the conclusion of our class! You are totally right about the importance of integrating technology in the classroom. Unfortunately I think the last school I was teaching at was one of ones that was "lagging" behind in technology. The school was a Title 1 and lacked funds, but there are so many ways for classroom teachers to bridge this gap! I hope to take what I've learned from our course and better apply it in the classroom. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the relevant articles!
I'm so happy to read about this topic! Technology integration is much more than using a computer as you stated. I believe that not incorporating technology to enhance learning activities, students will not build 21st century that can be used in the future. I think it will become imperative for educators to share their experiences and advocate for more integration in the classroom.
ReplyDelete