Integrating Technology

Technology Integration is the addition of technology in the classroom to effectively support instruction. Technology in the classroom is not just computers; it includes the Internet, word processing software, interactive SMART boards, calculators, television, and so many other things.

Good technology integration could be any form of technology that allows students to actively engage in their learning. Students could research online material for a school project or report, and have access to many more resources than the school library could provide. Students could create a presentation using PowerPoint or a video camera. Technology is making our world more accessible. This past month 30 schools in the United States have gotten the opportunity to speak ‘live’ with the Astronauts at the International Space Station. What an experience for these students to have; one you don’t get from reading about in books. Technology made this happen and it has more than likely encouraged and inspired many children in the world of science.

Technology integration can hinder students learning when it is not effectively applied. Allowing students to ‘surf the net’ with no guidance could lead to student frustration and chaos in the classroom. The teacher must be prepared to incorporate the technology in a way that benefits the students learning.

There are some barriers to technology integration. Technology is ever changing, that’s what technology is, a progression of ideas. Constant progression can make previous ideas obsolete. Not many people still own or operate a Commodore 64, but when it first hit the market it was the computer to have. When I bought my latest computer, the very next day the company my processor was made by produced a processor that was much faster than mine. Software is constantly being upgraded and changed as well, and eventually you are forced to update because nothing is compatible anymore. My point here is that technology is a constant investment; an investment in both financial resources as well as in time. To keep updated on hardware and software programs can be expensive and time consuming because training may be needed to properly use the hardware or software. Teachers incorporating technology in their classrooms should be knowledgeable with that form of technology, and if they aren’t they should be willing to learn about it.

My First Time Blogging and My Thoughts on Blogging & Education

Well this is my first time blogging (although this is my second post), and I have to say that it went pretty smoothly. I wasn't really sure what to expect. I've heard of blogging before, but I had never really experienced a blog. I found setting up the blog pretty straight forward. The hard part was deciding what to write. Not to be too personal for security reasons but allowing enough of myself to show through, all while thinking about how my writing flows and reads. (I'm not an English Major, so writing can be difficult at times).

To be honest I never considered blogging in Education. I always assumed that blogging was for people who wanted to share their day to day experiences, basically a public journal. It wasn't until I read Blogging: an introduction by Bobby Hobgood that I seriously considered blogging in Education. As long as security measures are taken and students have parental consent, I think blogging could be a beneficial tool in the classroom.

Blogging can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. It can be used as a journal or diary to create a relationship between student and teacher, and encourage communication. As a publication tool, students can voice opinions, comment and discuss with each other their opinions and topics. Blogging isn't face to face and allows for shy or apprehensive students to 'speak' up without added pressure. Blogging as a publication tool also allows for teachers to see progress in a students writing skills. Blogs can be used for administration or classroom management, posting assignments, homework, test dates, review material and course material.

One point that Hobgood mentions that I don't altogether agree with is that blogs can be used for research. I don't agree with this simply because it would be difficult to measure the legitimacy of a blog. Anyone can make a blog and everyone is entitled to their opinions, possibly making the material in their blog biased, which would not be well suited for research.

Who am I??

Good question!

Well I grew up an only child, so I made sure to surround myself with lots of good friends. I have been married for a little over two years and I'm enjoying married life and everything that comes our way. I am close with my family and enjoy spending time with them.

I have been a student for a 'few' years now. I received my diploma in Business Administration and decided that it wasn't the right path for me. I changed to a Math Major, because I loved it in grade school (yeah I know what you're thinking) and I realized that Teaching has always been something I have been interested in as well. When I was a little girl my mom used to fill out a school memories book at the beginning of a new school year. It had questions that asked things like; who are your friends?, what are your hobbies?, and what do you want to be when you grow up? More often than not, more like 80% of the time (that's the Mathematician in me) I had said I wanted to be a Teacher. So it took me a little while to figure it all out, and even though I may have taken a longer path to get here, I have learned and that's what's important.