Technology integration is when a teacher intentionally incorporates the digital world in the classroom to enhance the learning of the students. There are many ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. Students can play games on iPads, read books on a Kindle, research ideas for projects, etc. and if these are informing students and helping them learn, then that is great; we must evaluate in order to determine this and if it’s not, then we must change it. Successful technology integration has three main principles: students play an active role in their learning rather than passive, they are critically analyzing, and they are connected to the outside world in their learning activities (Vega, V. 2013). If we evaluate technology in our classroom and these ideas are not incorporated, it’s time to rethink why we are using technology. A great way to evaluate technology is, “Effective integration of technology is achieved when students are able to select technology tools to help them obtain information in a timely manner, analyze and synthesize the information, and present it professionally. The technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions--as accessible as all other classroom tools” (Shaffner, M., 2007, para. 3). If technology in our classroom doesn’t follow the given definition, reevaluation is needed.
As teachers, we constantly want to do what is best for our students, and that involves changing the curriculum to meet the needs of individual learners and allowing for technology when appropriate. If done correctly we can help students to spend more time working together, do more project based learning, engage in higher level writing, gain more access to information, improve their research skills, and allow them to be part of the digital world (Devlin, T., Feldhaus, C. & Bentrem, K., 2013). However, as we engage, educate, and aim for these goals with our 21st century learners it is important that we constantly reflect on what they are learning, how they are learning, and the final products they are turning in at the end of a unit. Reflection and self evaluation is a must and this is how action research can improve technology integration in my classroom and with my students.
References:
Devlin, T., Feldhaus, C., & Bentrem, K. (2013). The evolving classroom: A study of traditional and technology-based Instruction in a STEM classroom. Journal of Technology Education, 25(1). Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v25n1/devlin.html
McNiff, J. (2002). Action research for professional development: Concise advice for new action researchers.
Shaffner, M. (2007). What is successful technology integration? Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
Vega, V. (2013). Technology integration research review. Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-research-learning-outcomes