Technology Integration

Summary: Technology Integration is an article found in Learning and Leading with Technology. In this article it explains resources that aid in integrating technology into a classroom environment. An example of this would be the U.S. Department of Education which ran a program called R*Tec, regional technology in education consortia. This programs offered resources, professional development and technical support in high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. Also provided in this article were website resources. Some examples of the web resources described in this article are 4teachers.org, the ATEC website, wested.org and ETLCO website. The 4teachers.org website provides free online tools and resources for teachers. The ATEC (atec.org) is a site that is considered a teacher’s handbook. It provides teachers with how to use technology within the classroom. The website Wested.org aids with and focuses on how technology will help support good teaching. ETLCO (edtechleaders.org) offers instruction for faculty, administrators, staff and students at all levels from beginner to advanced.

Reflection: This article is great for helping teachers, administrators and staff can see what is out there. Also it gives a good brief background on the websites as well. I agree that technology should be integrated with classroom teaching, but there is definitely more to it than providing resources. I was expecting how schools are going into integrating technology. These resources provided were very helpful though. As teachers integrating technology is just another task that will be a necessity for teachers to do in order to have lessons that are engaging and provide students with 21st century skills that are needed. I feel that there is no way teacher integration can happen so quick and easy, however I do feel that with dedicated educators and staff and with great resources it can occur in a fashion that is easy.

Reference: Merillat, L.(2007). Technology Integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 34(6). 20 – 24.