Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Technology Integration

1. According to the article "Technology Integration", under "What is technology integration?", in your opinion, what are the two most important technology resources, and why?

2. Why is it so important to integrate technology into the classroom? What are the benefits? Are there any disadvantages?

3. What can technology integration provide to students and teachers?

21 comments:

  1. The two resources that I think are important are: Simply Box because it helps the students with their reading while using technology. This is important because some students do not like to read, therefore if a teacher has a student do an activity that the like, they are more likely to read and get more out of the activity. The other resource that I thought was important was Kerpoof, I thought this resource was important because it helps students use their creativity through movies or scenes.
    Some benefits for using technology in the classroom are: the students will be able to connect with other students by making games and movies. The students will have unlimited to knowledge that is on the internet. The students will also have the opportunity to share their creativity with other students, and other students besides those in their class.
    Some disadvantages of using technology in the classroom is that some students will get frustrated with not knowing how to do an activity and will give up.

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  2. I think one of the most important technology resources is the computer. The computer opens the child’s world to so many possibilities. Even the student who does not have the opportunity to leave their community for example can use the computer to travel around the world while never leaving their seat. Another important technology resource is the internet. The internet is the resource that can actually take a child to another time or place and open their eyes to many new adventures and experiences. These two resources combined produce many activities, experiences, lessons and adventures for the children to go on while advancing their learning.

    It is important to integrate technology into the classroom because it broadens the students’ horizons. Rather than sitting at a desk for eight hours during the school day, the students are able to become actively involved in their learning and do something that interests them. The benefits of integrating technology in the classroom are that it encompasses many different learning styles, is interactive, colorful, fun, enjoyable, exciting and it gives students the experience they will need to assimilate into society after school. Technology is everywhere and the more experience children have using it, the further they will go in life because they have a stronger foundation to build on. The disadvantages of technology in the classroom are that it has the potential to replace the teacher altogether in the classroom. Also, some students may not be comfortable using technology heavily in the classroom and learn best through textbooks and other hands-on activities.

    Technology integration can provide the students with diverse learning experiences in all curricular areas. From science to ELA students can use technology as a fun way of learning and completing assignments. Many curricular standards can be covered using technology as the vast field of technology is ever changing and expanding.

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  3. According to the article "Technology Integration" I believe that the use of computers and the internet are the two most technology resources. I believe that the computer is such a vital resource within the classroom because of all the applications it provides. For example, the computer has word processing applications, power point, excel, and most importantly access to internet search engines (Mozilla, Explorer, etc). Which comes to my next technology resource that I believe to be very important within the classroom; the internet. The internet has become such an important part of school, work, society, and overall life it is crazy. The internet provides so many millions of different resources that students can use to obtain information. The internet opens the window to endless supply of information, and within a click of the mouse.


    Integrating technology within the classroom is vital for students success within society. With technology on the rise and being incorporated within all aspects of life it is truly a necessity for children to learn at a young age so they understand in depth the way to utilize the technology.
    Using technology within the classroom provides opportunities for students to use the technology, and more importantly to have more approaches on teaching for different learning styles to accustom the different learning styles of the students.
    The only disadvantage I can think of integrating technology within the classroom would be technical issues with the technology when you are using it, which causes the class to stall in learning, and ultimately the children will get off-task.



    Technology integration will provide learning in a variety of different ways for both the teacher and students. It will also open their mind to the endless opportunities that technology offers.

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  4. I agree with Sara and Heather and I think computers and the internet are very important technology resources. It is a valid statement that computers and the internet have positively changed our lives and even our society since they were first introduced. Computers have created something like an “information age”. In other words, computers are so high tech today that huge amounts of data can be processed easily, and it is all sitting in front of us at our fingertips. There are numerous programs today that can be incorporated into the classroom for student’s advantage such as Microsoft word, dictionary and encyclopedia programs, and many more software programs. These programs offered have many positive advantages that are designed to meet almost any need, and if schools have laptops available these programs can be available anywhere you go. The internet has brought even more drastic improvements and changes. You can use the internet to access the web, connect to other computers databases, libraries, keep in contact with family living long distances away, movies, and other downloads are only a few of the ample opportunities the internet provides. There are also numerous resources online that both students and teachers can benefit from. There is not one area of our lives that computers and the internet have not affected.


    Integrating technology in the classroom is a key element that should be addressed for the future. Teachers should utilize technology in their classroom if they have resources available to them. Technology opens new horizons that allow students to have the capabilities to be creative and explore on their own to become confident and successful users of technology. It also increases the idea of pulling away from so much direct instruction, and in turn allows for the teacher to be more of a facilitator to teach students a higher level of thinking and develop the skills to think critically. The use of technology in the classroom can be used in various ways to tie in all kinds of resources and at the same time it is almost bringing information alive for students so they can make technology a part of their life. For students who are unfamiliar with using computers it may take more time for a teacher to explain certain programs or how the computer works. This might be one draw back but it would only require for the teacher to have time to make those links and connections that technology makes possible. When a teacher incorporates technology they provide open opportunities for children to use at their advantage to become successful in the future.


    Technology integration provides ample opportunities to students who have differing learning experiences. Both teachers and students can have opportunities to learn something new since technology is always changing. Technology offers many endless opportunities that can be incorporated into any lesson whether it be math, science, language arts, music, etc.

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  5. I agree with Ashley, Sara and Heather so far that the computer and internet are crucial to the learning in the classroom. I believe they are important because both are a large part of all jobs that they will be applying for and it will help them land a job with the knowledge they have already. Computers and internet are important also for research because it is a lot easier to research on the computer rather than go to the library and try to figure out what book to look in or what other source could be used.
    Integration of technology is important because children need the chance to be exposed to new things and new ways of doing things. Such as overhead projectors, smart boards, microphone devices used for hearing, and white boards. Some advantages would be a chance to learn how to use them and become familiar with them, in hopes that one day if they need to use it they will have prior knowledge. A disadvantage could be if the technology is not working properly that day and the teacher’s whole plan is worked around it they may not know what they want to do instead. This would be alright if it didn’t work and the teacher could “wing it” and go with the flow.
    Technology can provide a broad variety of learning through different styles and different techniques. There are a lot of resources out there that can be brought into the classroom to aide in children’s learning.

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  6. In my own opinion, I definitely agree with everyone on the decision that computers and internet access are the two most important technology resources. Over the last few decades, the computer has changed from a luxury to a learning tool and there are so many opportunities that stem from having one in the classroom or just in schools. With computers, students can become connected to the outside world via the internet. The internet provides infinite resources that the students can use to not only learn, but to have fun and connect with others. With the computer and the internet, students are able to take their learning one step further and to become familiar with important technology that will increasingly be a part of their lives as they get older.

    It is important to integrate technology in the classroom because of the reasons I previously stated. Students need to know that there are resources they can use within the classroom as well as outside. They need to see the ways in which learning can be an enjoyable and better experience. Technology is an advantage because of the opportunities it involves for students and their learning. Of course, there are some disadvantages. Not all students will be familiar with technology and may or may not have access to a computer at home.

    Technology integration provides both students and teachers with beneficial tools and resources to go to when they need help. It will allow teachers to better serve those who need the kinds of extra resources to better their learning.

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  7. Great posts so far! It seems that most agree that computers and the internet agree that computers and internet are the most important resources. Everyone, how would you integrate technology in your classroom if the internet was not available? Do you remember ways that your teachers in the past integrated technology? What ways? How would you integrate technology into your classroom?

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  8. Also, check out this website and let me know what you think about it:
    http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml

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  9. I think that technology integration in the classroom is really important. There are a lot of cool resources through the internet that students and teachers can use to their benefit. For example students can now go on virtual field trips and see places they may never have a chance to see in their lifetime. Technology can make learning and teaching fun in the classroom. Since technology is always new and changing, it’s important for it to become a part of the student’s everyday lives. I think there are disadvantages to technology integration as well. It would not be beneficial if all learning was through technology. Students need to be more well-rounded and have the opportunity to learn through many different methods. While it’s important to integrate technology, it’s also important that student’s know how to do things the traditional way, for example know how to look up information in a book or do math problems on paper or in their head since they won’t always be able to carry around a calculator or computer.
    Technology integration provides students the opportunity to have more control over what they are learning. It allows teachers to act as facilitators and guide students learning in more open-ended activities.

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  10. 1) From the article, “Technology integration is the use of technology resources -- computers, digital cameras, CD-ROMs, software applications, the Internet, etc. -- in daily classroom practices, and in the management of a school. Technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent.”

    I think that the computer and its connection to the world wide web are the most important integrations for teacher in the classroom today. There is so much that can be done with these two it’s mind boggling. The vast information and resources (Free software, social interaction with a verity of others peoples, etc) that can be reached I would give honorable mention to the smart board. If I had three choices, the smart board would be next. It allows the class to see all at once and has multiple applications.


    2. It is important to use technology in the classroom because it is an intricate part of the world today. Technology is more than likely continue to grow in importance and complexity during the student’s life.

    Some of the benefits are teachers and students being able use free and open education resources, for information, communication and software.

    Some disadvantages are the expenses of owning, maintaining and replace technologies when needed.

    3. Technology integration can help bond students and teachers; through the vast ways each can express and communicate with each other. Being fluid with technology will help with this communication and prepare the students for the job market and life after school. It allows all of us to be extraordinary and creative life long learners, because of its vast resources.

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  11. Great posts guys! Everyone seems to have come to a general consensus.

    Do you guys think technology should be integrated into every subject area? Read this article and tell us your reaction!
    http://www.edutopia.org/new-p-e-curriculum

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  12. Victoria, I read that article on technology integration in p-e classes. I think that technology should be integrated into every subject area. Using the pedometers and the new technological equipment is important because it is something the students can use their whole lives to stay healthy. If it is incorporated into every subject then it will be more of a natural part of their lives and they will be much more likely to get more benefits from it.

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  13. 1. The two most important technology resources are computers and internet. In the past, it was rare to have a computer. Now that it seems to be that most families at least have one computer, we can see how much of a necessity it is. Computers and the internet offer so much and provide much more opportunities for people to succeed in life. Online games promote thinking skills, instand messaging encourages writing skills, and the pleniful information on the web provides a great deal of knowledge.

    2. It is so important to integrate technology into the classroom because it offers another way for students to learn. For example, a student who is not a conventional paper,pencil,textbook learner, incorporating the internet may stimulate thinking. Technology used in the classroom is exciting for students as it isn't the ususal 'boring' lesson. Using computers add a little spice to the lesson. Benefits include new ways for students to learn in an exciting way. The only disadvantage I can think of is that the students may be distracted if they are using the computer and end up not following the lesson.

    3. Technology integration provides an exciting way for students to learn. Not only for students, but it is also a nice change for the teacher from teaching a regular lesson. Technology allows teachers to propose a lesson in a creative and new way. This might capture the students' attention and provide for optimal learning.

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  14. Some more sites that you guys might want to check out can be found under Tech Integration Resources. Be sure to look at the sites listed under activities...which one is your favorite?

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  15. Great posts everyone! Everyone seems to agree that technology is important in the classroom, and that the computer and the internet are the two most important resources for technology. Do you guys think there is a curriculum area that would benefit most from technology integration?

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  16. Catherine,
    After looking at the website http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml I found a few interesting ideas and tools.
    I thought that it was great that the site offered 20 ways in which I could incorporate technology into my classroom routines. I thought that including the URLs in a monthly calendar was a neat idea. I liked the idea of printing out a calendar for the students to color in. Along with that, it's a great idea to have different URLs of different sites on the calendar so that the students could check out the sites and learn about the months events.

    I also like the idea of accessing the weather forecast online in different languages. Students who are not from the United States can easily use this website and learn just like everyone else, without feeling lost or behind. This website will definitely come in hand when talking about weather patterns in a science class. Also, students will be able to learn about the weather in different areas of the world.

    One more idea I found interesting was to introduce a word of the day. Students will have an online word of the day. I can access activities using the word of the day which will be fun and exciting for the students. Instead of them just learning a word by studying it using pen and paper.

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  17. I think that the use of computers, and technology are very important for technology integration. There are so many great programs out there for free and some that you have to buy that can really help students to learn the material that they need to know in a more fun, and interesting way. Something as simple as having the computer read to them instead of the teacher can really enhance the child's interest and willingness to learn.

    It is important to integrate technology into the classroom because it is a new generation of teaching, and it connects to the students in a way they know how to learn. I know that at my observation the kids do a lot better answering mini quiz's on the computer rather than with a pen and pencil. They are also more willing to write paragraphs when they have a keyboard in front of them instead of just a pencil and and paper. Of course the kids need to learn how to write using a pencil, and they can't always rely on the computer but it is a fun way to change up their learning styles.

    Integrating technology is awesome because you can really find anything on the internet and teach them a lesson on it. It is so diverse you can teach anything from Language Arts, to Technology to Social Skills. It really is a great way to change up the traditional learning styles, and keep the attention of the students longer.

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  18. According to the article, I believe that the most important resources are the computer and the internet. These resources you will be able to use in any curriculum area. However, the other resources such as digital cameras, CD roms and software applications could also be a great addition to any lesson.

    Under the Tech Resources, there was a lot of cool features. They gave great examples of the different technologies used in the classroom and links to sites that could help teachers become more familiar with these tools.
    And a website they listed: Kathy Shrocks guide for educators, i found to be very helpful. It has links in a lot of different subject areas.

    It is important to integrate these resources into the classroom because it helps teachers add to their curricula, and helps students reach their goals. They seem more involved in their schoolwork with the addition of technology because it is more fun to them. It also benefits the students because it helps build their creativity.

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  19. After reading all of your posts, it seems that everyone agrees that the internet and computer resources are needed in the classroom. The websites we have provided for you to look at are a great way to get some good ideas for integrating technology into the classroom. I hope you all look at them and enjoy. Great posts!

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  20. It seems as though everyone is on the same page with this. It is important as future teachers to incorporate as much technology as possible into our classrooms especially considering that for some stduents, this may be their only time on a computer or on the internet. As resources as teachers, the material is endless and we are very lucky to be a part of this generation where everything is at our finger tips! Great posts!

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  21. I also agree that computers and the internet are the two most important technology resources. They are the best way to get information fast and they are a very helpful tool in general to use in the class. They are also improtant because you can use them no matter what curriculum area is that you are teaching.

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