1+Technology+Integration

For this assignment, I explored technology integration in the classroom. I viewed several videos that examined various school environments in which technology is fully integrated into the curriculum. I also learned about the prevalence of technology in today’s society and its usefulness in teaching and learning.

I chose to comment on the video entitled “Web-Design Competition Sparks Collaboration.” This particular video intrigued me because it reveals the amazing possibilities of international collaboration. In many cases, the classroom is an isolated environment, but technology allows students and teachers to connect to the outside world. In this video, students had the opportunity to explore social, environmental, and economic issues by working together with peers living across the globe. I believe students are able to learn more effectively when they develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These skills can be harnessed through peer and community interactions. International cooperation integrates diversity and cultural beliefs that are vital to a rich learning environment. By creating an educational website that is accessible to the world population, the students' learning was magnified by teaching others.

Young people have grown up surrounded by technology in all facets of their lives. Therefore, technology integration in education is absolutely necessary to increase students’ motivation, encourage collaboration, and reach the interests of students. Studies have found that integrating technology into the classroom decreases drop-out rates, increases participation, and learning becomes more meaningful for students. Also, knowledge of and the ability to use technology is not only important in students’ present-day activities, but will be required in future jobs and endeavors.

As a prospective secondary biology teacher, I plan on implementing lesson plans that integrate various technological mediums. I have been introduced to web sites that contain virtual labs. These sites enable students to participate in various experiments that may otherwise be unavailable. I also hope to incorporate both auditory and visual teaching techniques so that I may reach many different learning styles. I hope to connect learning in the classroom with the students’ interests, experiences, and goals for the future by integrating the internet, PowerPoint presentations, movie clips, and Smart board instruction into the curriculum.