In my own words...
Technology integration is the use of tools and innovations to enhance student engagement and achievement of learning goals. Effective technology integration involves the use of effective tools and not just for the sake of using technology. Students learn more, enjoy learning more, work more efficiently, and use more higher order thinking skills.
References
Egbert, J. L. (2009). Supporting Technology with Learning:Essentials of Classroom Practice. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Reflecting in the Classroom
One of the main purposes of this blog is for me to reflect on my use of technology in the classroom and on how I see others use it and to find ways that I can improve in this area. As with teaching in general, reflecting on technology use is very important. Each year, student technology competencies and comfort levels change, as do the most up-to-date technology tools. So, it is vital for us to reflect on what is working with our students (or other teachers' students) and to keep striving to improve.
I plan to reflect on the projects I complete in this class and technology I and other teachers use in my school. I can't wait to hear about how you use technology too, so I can see how I can implement your ideas with my own students.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Article: Article Quantity versus Quality: A new approach to examine the relationship between technology use and student outcomes
Summary:
In this article, the author insists that it is more important to consider what technology tools are used and how they are used instead of how much they are used. Technology use has increased exponentially in the past ten years. $66 billion has been spent on technology for use in U. S. schools alone. Despite this trend, studies are inconsistent in determining if technology integration alone is actually beneficial to student learning. Some studies claim that technology is vital, while some say it has no effect, and still others say it is actually harmful to students. Two issues are mentioned that drive the technology-student achievement controversy. Problem 1: Many studies do not differentiate between various types of technology tools. They consider them all the same and therefore equally substantial in student achievement results. Problem 2: Many studies consider the amount of time spent with the technology instead of the quality of its use. In a study described in this article, there are four student outcomes that were examined: Student academic achievement, Technology proficiency, Learning habits
and Developmental outcomes. The findings of this in depth study determined that when only examining the amount of time spent on computers, no significant relationship was found between technology use and student learning. However, when how technology was used was investigated, a considerable correlation was identified between use of technology and student results.
Commentary:
I thought this article was useful for me as a teacher because it deals with an issue that many educators forget about: technology quality vs. quantity. Not all technology tools are created equal, and just because something can be done with technology, doesn't mean it should. Teachers should always be thoughtful in their integration of technology and include appropriate tools that will assist students in reaching their learning goals.
Reference
Lei, J. (2010). Quantity versus Quality: A New Approach to Examine the Relationship between Technology Use and Student Outcomes. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(3), 455-472. Retrieved from ERIC database.
In this article, the author insists that it is more important to consider what technology tools are used and how they are used instead of how much they are used. Technology use has increased exponentially in the past ten years. $66 billion has been spent on technology for use in U. S. schools alone. Despite this trend, studies are inconsistent in determining if technology integration alone is actually beneficial to student learning. Some studies claim that technology is vital, while some say it has no effect, and still others say it is actually harmful to students. Two issues are mentioned that drive the technology-student achievement controversy. Problem 1: Many studies do not differentiate between various types of technology tools. They consider them all the same and therefore equally substantial in student achievement results. Problem 2: Many studies consider the amount of time spent with the technology instead of the quality of its use. In a study described in this article, there are four student outcomes that were examined: Student academic achievement, Technology proficiency, Learning habits
and Developmental outcomes. The findings of this in depth study determined that when only examining the amount of time spent on computers, no significant relationship was found between technology use and student learning. However, when how technology was used was investigated, a considerable correlation was identified between use of technology and student results.
Commentary:
I thought this article was useful for me as a teacher because it deals with an issue that many educators forget about: technology quality vs. quantity. Not all technology tools are created equal, and just because something can be done with technology, doesn't mean it should. Teachers should always be thoughtful in their integration of technology and include appropriate tools that will assist students in reaching their learning goals.
Reference
Lei, J. (2010). Quantity versus Quality: A New Approach to Examine the Relationship between Technology Use and Student Outcomes. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(3), 455-472. Retrieved from ERIC database.
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