Best Practices in Tech Integration
- 1. Best Practices and Trends for Technology Integration T r a c y G o n z a l e s - M a r t i n e z C U R 5 4 5 O c t o b e r 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 D r . D e b o r a h C l a r k
- 2. 01 "Effective integration of technology is achieved when students are able to select technology tools to help them obtain information in a timely manner, analyze and synthesize the information, and present it professionally. The technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions -- as accessible as all other classroom tools." -- National Educational Technology Standards for Students, International Society for Technology in Education
- 3. 02 Effective Technology Integration “Seamless integration is when students are not only using technology daily, but have access to a variety of tools that match the task at hand and provide them the opportunity to build a deeper understanding of content. But how we define technology integration can also depend on the kinds of technology available, how much access one has to technology, and who is using the technology” (Edutopia, 2007).
- 4. 03 Change is an inevitable part of life. In education change is a natural process all districts, schools, and teacher experience. As things change schools must adapt to these changes and make shifts in the way they do things. According to Lancaster (2019), “we sometimes don’t spend enough time thinking about how much to manage change. Here are some things to have in mind before undertaking any significant change within a school environment.” “Willingness to embrace change is also a major requirement for successful technology integration. Technology is continuously, and rapidly, evolving. It is an ongoing process and demands continual learning” (Edutopia, 2007). Creating Change in School Organizations
- 5. 04 Change the perception “Many people see change as something that just happens, something that’s “done to them” without their consent and outside their control” (Lancaster, 2019). It is important that all stakeholders within a school environment feel like they have some control or autonomy over the effects of the change. This gives them a sense of ownership which can lead to more buy in within the organization. Successful implementation of change within an organization can only occur in people feel they are part of the process. Creating Change in School Organizations
- 6. 05 Make change part of the school culture When making change part of your school culture it is important to start with small visible changes that make a positive impact. This can create a culture where everyone sees change as a positive thing and others are willing to try new things. It is also important to see failure as a learning opportunity. “Dealing effectively with setbacks is critical if change is going to be an accepted part of a school’s culture” (Lancaster, 2019). Creating Change in School Organizations
- 7. 06 Know the history of change within the organization In any organization looking back to the past can provide insight into what kind of change has already been tried, how it was tried, and what impact the change had on the organization. “Organizations that undergo change too often (or perpetually) tend to become jaded about new ideas, and organizations that have had negative experiences with change will be much more reticent to try new things. There are no hard and fast rules, but as with many things in life, looking to the past can provide vital information regarding how things may (or may not) work moving forward” (Lancaster, 2019). Creating Change in School Organizations
- 8. 07 Appreciate the skeptics It is important to have people who can ask tough questions about any proposed changes within an organization. “Skeptics help to keep us grounded in reality” (Lancaster, 2019). Their input can help field the change, and it is important we listen to what they have to say. Be aware of preconceived notions “Change leaders must consider and respect individual notions of what school should look like, while at the same time convincing people that what they’re proposing will be better” (Lancaster, 2019). Creating Change in School Organizations
- 9. 08 Examples of Recognizing True Technology Implementation Technology integration is the use of technology resources into the daily classroom practices. When it becomes a part of the classroom culture it can be a key player in a student’s education. “Successful technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is: Routine and transparent, accessible and readily available for the tasks at hand, and supports the curricular goals helping students to effectively reach their goals” (Edutopia, 2007).
- 10. 09 Examples of Recognizing True Technology Implementation Students are more engaged and enjoy learning more when technology is used in their learning. When it is effectively integrated into the curriculum technology tools can extend and enhance student’s learning in meaningful and purposeful ways. These tools can provide students and teachers with: · Access to up-to-date, primary source material · Methods of collecting/recording data · Ways to collaborate with students, teachers, and experts around the world · Opportunities for expressing understanding via multimedia · Learning that is relevant and assessment that is authentic · Training for publishing and presenting their new knowledge
- 11. 10 “All students benefit as classrooms expand beyond the walls of the school to include events, celebrations, accomplishments, and struggles facing people in local, national and international settings” (Maloy, 2017). Project based learning (PBL) enable students to participate in community based projects and use technology such as social media to catalog or present their final projects. Teachers can use utilize blogs as a way to reach to the community. “A blog serves as an online journal where teachers can post information and ideas related to education and learning. It can also be a site for online interactions between you and students or between you and other educators” (Maloy, 2017). Community Outreach Using Technology Resources
- 12. 11 Various technology resources can be used to reach out to the community and keep them informed about what is going on in their local schools. Twitter, Facebook, school websites, blogs are just a few ways to give the community access to communications in the classroom. Community Outreach Using Technology Resources
- 13. 12 Increasing information to and involvement of families Digital communication can open up a continuous flow of information between the classroom and parents. Social media has proven to be more convenient and an easier way to get the word out by about things happening in the classroom and school. As a teacher, it is essential to provide information to families about class assignments, grading policies, upcoming activities, homework, and other topics online which is easily updatable format because families are integral promoters of students’ success (Maloy, 2017).
- 14. 13 To effectively integrate technology in the classroom various devices, programs, software is needed. This can be a costly endeavor and many schools may not have the funds available to keep up with the most up to date technology in this rapidly changing world. There are many fundraising and grant resource options to assist schools and teachers with finding ways to get technology in the hands of their students. Here a couple of suggestions: Digital Wish WeAreTeachers Donors Choose Think Quest Target Stores Funding Opportunities for Integrating Technology
- 15. 14 Budgeting and Funding Considerations for Technology Integration Any school’s learning budget should include technology as an item, because without it there will be no money allocated for technology advancement in classroom activities or for maintaining or repairing existing technology. The following are items that would need to be included in the technology budget: Professional Development Cost for Software and Programs: Technology Operating Fees Replacement and Repairs
- 16. Edutopia. (2007, November 5). What is Successful TEchnology Integration? Retrieved from: https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide- description Hertz, M.B. (2011). Fundraising and Grant Resources for Tech Integration. Retrieved from: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/grants-fundraising-tech- integration-mary-beth-hertz Lancaster, I. (2019). 5 Strategies for Managing Change in Schools. Retrieved from: https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/5- strategies- for-managing-change-in-schools/. Maloy, R.W.E. (2017). Transforming Learning with New TEchnologes (3rd ed). Boston: Pearson. R e f e r e n c e s