Philosophy on Technology Integration

1. Philosophy on Technology Integration By: Erin Gaunce “The future belongs to those that prepare for it”– Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. Technology IntegrationWhat is it? Technology integration is the use of technology resources -- computers, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, social media platforms and networks, software applications, the Internet, etc. -- in daily classroom practices, and in the management of a school. ("Edutopia.org." Technology Integration. N.p., 22 May 2013. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration, 22 May 2013>.)

3. My Philosophy is based on: • Personal education (ongoing) • Personal Experiences as a teacher • Mentoring new teachers • Being mentored by veteran teachers • Professional Development • Conversations with other educators • Conversations with students!

4. Successful vs. Unsuccessful Integration According to my research as well as conversations with other educators, there is a great debate as to what is considered to be successful versus unsuccessful technology integration. Here’s my conclusion…

5. Successful vs. Unsuccessful SUCCESSFUL • Supports Curriculum & State Standards • Enhances learning experience • Provides support • Collaboration among educators and students • Increasing the communication • Creates “purposeful work” UNSUCCESSFUL • Doesn’t support curriculum or State Standards • Creates “busy work” • No collaboration • Out of date technological tools

6. How can Technology Integration support Curriculum and State Standards? "Effective technology integration is achieved when its use supports curricular goals. It must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. " (http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration, 22 May 2013).

7. Personal Belief: Education needs to be STUDENT CENTERED! When it comes to education, our curriculum needs to be centered around the students. So, it makes sense to integrate tools that students would like to use. As a way to enhance students learning experience technology should be integrated into their education. However, we need to be careful of how it is used. It should enhance learning, not take away from it!

8. Effective Technology Integration also requires: • inquiry• constructivist learning• higher-level critical and creative thinking• reaching deeper understanding• gradual release of responsibility• digital citizenship• multiple literacies for the 21st century

9. Resources for Technology Integration NETS Standards are a great start! http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers

10. Personal Resources:Lesson Plans using Technological Tools! http://www.protopage.com/egaunce#Untitled/My_Own_Lesson_Plans

11. Quick Tips:(Ways to integrate technology into already designed lesson plans) • Incorporate QR code scavenger hunts for notes and/or research • Webquests • Review Games (online jeopardy or other free online resources) • Blogging • Online quizzes (Quizlet or Quia) • iPad apps part of lectures

12. Personal Examples: Old Way: Students were to copy down the definitions to certain vocabulary terms while I lectured about the Circulatory System New Way: Students went on a scavenger hunt looking for the QR codes that contained the definitions. (See full lesson plan: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5PGgkyOOzfUYjFkZDZiNjMtZTVjMi00MTBlLWE3NDUtOTYwZDJmMmEzN2Jm/edit) Ways it changed students: • Increased active engagement • Collaboration with students to find QR codes • Digital citizenship • Students LOVE taking notes!

13. Another Example: Old Way: Assigned a worksheet on identifying variables New Way: Created the same type of worksheet online with Quia.com

14. Reasons to Creating Lessons with Technology: • Engaging– students want to complete assignments because it is more engaging than a paper worksheet • Differentiation – meet the needs of all students • Teacher-Student Communication – online assignments can provided immediate feedback • Real World Connection - provides tools that will help students become successful adults with technology

15. Connection to the Real World: To help create some create critical thinking and real-life connections, I have my students look at something that has happened in the news regarding science. To make this easy for my students, I created widgets on my website:

16. Research that Backs up my Theories: • Edutopia (http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration) • Iste : Transforming Classroom Practice (http://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/PRODEV-excerpt.pdf)

17. Excuses to NOT Integrate Technology: 1. Not enough technology for all students to use in schools 2. Lack of access to technology in homes 3. Too expensive 4. Time-consuming when creating lessons with technology 5. Teachers lack of knowledge & lack of motivation to learn

18. Answers to Excuses: 1. Grants (http://www.qwest.com/coloradoteachers/guidelines.html) 2. Before & After School Help can provide times for students to utilize technology within schools 3. Yes, it can be expensive, but once again: GRANTS!! 4. At first, integrating technology can be time consuming, but it actual will provide you extra time in the end 5. Professional Development!!

19. Best Place to start: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: 1. Look to other schools and how they did it: http://beprincipaled.org/2011/11/15/integration-of-technology-in-to-the-classroom/ 2. ISTE has lots of resources: http://www.iste.org/learn/professional-development 3. Collaborate with Educators that feel comfortable with technology (like me!) http://www.protopage.com/egaunce

20. Overview: • Technology Integration = incorporating technology tools that can enhance the educational experience for students and educators • Personal Belief = integrating technology only should be used when student centered • Start small with a lesson or two, then as you become more comfortable, you will be able to create entire units with integrated technology! • Don’t be Afraid, look to Professional Development opportunities and Collaborate!

21. Works Cited: "Be Principaled." Integration of Technology in the Classroom. N.p., 15 Nov. 2011. Web. 27 May. 2013. <http://beprincipaled.org/2011/11/15/integration-of-technology-in-to-the-classroom/>. "Edutopia.org." Technology Integration. N.p., 22 May 2013. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration, 22 May 2013>. "ISTE." NETS Standards for Teachers. ISTE, n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers>. "Technology Integration in Education." Edutopia.org. Edutopia, n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration>.