Technology Integration

Technology Integration, defined by the National Forum Education Statistics,” is the incorporation of technology resources and technology-based practices into the daily routine, work, and management of schools.” This technology is not to replace lessons in classrooms, but should enhance the educational process by getting students active in the learning process.

The implementation of Technology Integration is inevitable if we are to keep students engrossed and involved in their education. As George Siemens, a theorist on learning in a digitally-based society said, “We are moving from formal, rigid learning into an environment of informal, connection-based, network-creating learning… Knowing is no longer a destination, but rather a journey. Gone are the days of this is what it is.” If we are going to be effective, we must progress with our students and learn from them along with them. See what Harrison Central is doing:

Harrison Central High School’s Commitment to Technology


Students do not know a world without technology and it is one real way that we can reach them and enhance their learning. Research indicates that the use of technology is one way information can get into a child’s memory, especially those that live with autism or autistic tendencies. Since students do not know a world without cell phones, PDAs, laptops, PSPs, X-box, Wii, the internet, etc… why not use those advances in technology to enhance learning without the struggles of having to teach the student how to use them? Instead it may give the student an opportunity to become an expert in an area and teach you.

Integrating technology into classrooms also allows for personalized educational opportunities. When the learning becomes personalized it encourages more involvement from the learner. Some ways to personalize learning may include the use of blogs, journals, listserv, discussion forums, websites, and tutorials. Imagine the introverted student that receives a response to a blog he/she posted? Receiving feedback on what you have created goes a long way in encouraging you to continue to explore, research, and write. Isn’t that we want for our students?

As future school leaders we need to accept that Technology Integration has gone from “Oh, wouldn’t that be nice.” to “You are doing what? How can we do/get that?” It is imperative that we are excited and involved in the use of technology in our school. We should know how to use the hardware and software that we want our teachers to use, so we can be involved and understand when a problem arises. We must provide a strong focus on staff development helping teachers learn to use technology and how to implement it in the classroom through supporting students and extending learning opportunities. If we stress the importance of integrating technology into the classroom, support and train our teachers as well as our support personnel, and be willing to learn ourselves we can help move our school into the technology era. (As can be seen from Art & Barry's presentations, the state of NJ is expecting Technology to be intergrated.) The video below shows progress that has been made with the use of a variety of technologies in the classroom.

21st Century Education, Educating the Mobile Generation



I would be curious to hear your feedback on the videos from this blog post. Where are you headed?