Technology Integration into the Classroom

It can be said that ‘technology integration’ is the implementation of current tools and resources into a given situation. In this case, technology is integrated into a classroom setting for a greater knowledge and understanding of curriculum-based course material. More specifically, technology supports ‘inquiry-based teaching and learning’. That is to say, the utilization of technology in the classroom is resourceful in an environment that seeks to acquire knowledge. Good technology integration into the classroom stimulates the learning of a student by exposing him or her to quality knowledge-based resources, including the Internet. Further, while exposing a student to the Internet, for example, the teacher stimulates critical thinking in the individual—an invaluable learning process. Also, good technology integration encourages a deeper understanding of the curriculum as students discover and sift through an abundance of information on the subject that is being studied. An example of good technology integration in a classroom setting would be if a Social Studies class was working on the topic of China, the Internet could be utilized as a resource for cross-cultural analysis and comparison. Poor technology integration is, in my opinion, characterized by the infrequent and unstructured usage of technology in the classroom. I think it is important to guide students in their exploration of technology, particularly the Internet. Students must be given clear objectives and guided initiatives when exploring the Internet. I can remember as a student, aimlessly perusing the internet for a particular class, completely uncertain of the information I was supposed to be obtaining. Also, usage of the technology must not be infrequent; otherwise the teacher risks the loss of a student’s technological understanding over time. Regarding the barriers to technology integration, I would think a lack of funding for the technology itself would be an issue. Also, it may be difficult to find the time to implement technology in an already busy school day.