Written by I’ve been thinking about this question the last couple weeks, because I see a system that needs repair. Having our students go to a technology class once every two weeks doesn’t seem to be the most effective way to meet my definition of technology integration.
In an ideal world technology integration would not be a scheduled lesson, it wouldn’t even have a special name it would just be a natural part of the classroom landscape, like paper and pencils.
Technology has been, for the most part, integrated into the daily lives of teachers quite well. We have computers, projectors, document cameras, etc… that are used on a daily basis as part of the normal operating day. The same isn’t true for the students.
In short, my definition of technology integration is when students and teachers seamlessly use technology as a tool to deepen knowledge and share ideas.
Why do you think we still have technology classes especially in the primary grades? At one time we taught them how to save files, use a mouse, and “work” the computer….I know I use to teach those classes. Has the purpose of those classes changed? Why do you believe that an integration model is better? That should be enough questions for your next blog post.