Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Reflection - Is Integrating Technology the Same as Using Technology?

Before taking this class I would never have thought to question what integrating technology in a learning environment truly means. I thought it simply meant educators and/or students having the knowledge and skill to use technological tools -hardware or software- for educational purposes. Teacher can enhance a lesson with an online video or a PowerPoint presentation or have students research on the Internet but now I question if just including technology in a lesson or activity is really integration.

What's integration then? An article on Edutopia explains that effective technology integration is achieved when its use supports curricular goals and the 4 key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. According to the LoTi framework (http://loticonnection.com/lotilevels.html), the teacher who is integrating technology is promoting an inquiry-based model of teaching that involves students applying their learning to the real world. Their students are fully engaged in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. Isn't that what constructivism and collaborative learning is all about?
Now I think that in order to truly integrate technology a teacher needs to establish a student-centered learning environment rather than a teacher-directed classroom.

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