Not Having Technology Period at School:

I realized today that I can't stand not having computers at school. I'm currently long term substituting at a Pre-K center, that is supposed to be technology geared for the 2010-2011 school year, and we have no technology in the classroom other than a CD player. We are supposed to be getting two computers this year, but I feel that the students would really benefit from being able to access a computer at school and play educational games. I think starting children at an early age would be successful for when they move into a school system they would already know how to use technology to some degree. This would also help stimulate the students that aren't able to access a computer from home, or use technological toys due to low income. If we had the computers like we are supposed to, it would make for a great learning center. I don't understand the fact that the GA Pre-K Standards say that each classroom must have two computers, and we have none, and no progress seems to be underway to match that standard. It really makes me frustrated as a teacher.

Technology Integration Article:

The article I found that focused on technology integration was based on technology relating to business students during their practicum classes in college and how integrated technology affected them as a whole. I found this article to be quite interesting because it was still relating to how technology is being integrated in today’s society, but how their findings were so closely related to how students and teachers feel when they are able to integrate technology in an educational setting. The article discussed how the technology enhanced the effectiveness of the instruction in their college courses and how the professors and other students proficiently integrated the technology. With this integration the students were had increased comfort levels on using technology more in their everyday lives other than what they were using it for previously, as well as helping the students to be able to positively relate to technology because we are impacted by it every day. The article went on to say that the students knew that technology was used every day, but they were able to see benefits from using it effectively when it was integrated in a positive manner into their lessons. They were able to learn about software that was available to them for free that they were unaware of that would later help them teach future business courses in a school setting. In the authors’ conclusion, they stated that the success of using technology lies with the students feeling comfortable with using it throughout their lifetime. 

My peers could find this valuable because we are all struggling to include technology into the curricula. I thought my peers would find this valuable because we are always thinking from the teacher side of the spectrum. I found this article to be from the student side of the spectrum and it informs the teacher that having technology helps them to succeed in their class assignments once they were able to use it properly and overcome the fear of incorporating technology into their lives. 

Citation: Cauley, F., Aiken, K., & Whitney, L.. (2010). Technologies Across Our Curriculum: A Study of Technology Integration in the Classroom. Journal of Education for Business, 85(2), 114-118. Retrieved August 24, 2010, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 2074244681).

Discussion 1: Defining Technology Integration

For our first discussion we were required to summarize a chapter from our book, an article about eTIPS, and an article that we chose that focused on technology integration. I found this discussion to be quite challenging. I focused on mentioning the main points in the chapter and what educational technology means to me as an educator. The discussion as a whole turned out to be for informative. Lots of discussing went on relating to technology integration and how we as individuals felt about it. I learned a lot from my peers seeing as we come from all different walks of life. We are all not the same type of teachers, but we all offer vast knowledge in our areas and apply our knowledge when taking part in these discussions. I found the discussion to be a success. I was able to distinguish how I may have impacted my peers with my thoughts on the matter by their feedback on my article and summarizations.

Using a Blog in an Educational Setting

A blog could be defined as a shared on-line journal where people can post entries about any topic they choose. Blogs can be work related, school related, sports related, or personal use related, among many other aspects. I have always used a blog, or have been familiar with a blog, but it never fails, I ALWAYS learn something new. For my MEDT 7464 masters class, I am using this blog to posting my feelings and learning's about technology integration. I thought I knew how to work my way around a blog, until I was found out the requirements for this blog. I have already learned how to add a poll, a list of URLs for people to view, and YouTube videos. I was unaware of these new features and enjoyed learning how to use them.

Blogs could be very successful in a classroom setting. A classroom blog could be set up for the teachers, students, and parents to access throughout the school year. Assignments could be posted, videos that needed to be watched, chats that could go and, the list could go on and on. I think using a blog in a classroom setting would help enhance the students knowledge of the Web 2.0 tools that are available to them. I know that blogs are often blocked from school use, but it there were ways to work around the firewall, a blog would be a great asset to add to the curriculum.

What does Technology Integration in Education Mean to Me:

I find that technology is a learning tool for ALL students. My definition of technology integration would be the incorporation of technological resources and technology-based practices into daily curriculum/lesson plans. Teachers should practice collaborative work, internet-based researches so the students can work on and learn the importance of technology integration in their everyday lives. Efficient and effective supporting goals and purposes should be in place when trying to integrate technology in the classroom. We as educators need to make it our duty to be prepared because technology will be in our students future, and we need to help prepare them.

"Leadership is the single most important factor affecting the successful integration of technology. This is true at the state level and at the school level. Schools which have made the most progress are those with energetic and committed leaders."

From a 1998 study by the SouthEast and Islands Regional Technology in Education Consortium

Citation: Gahala, Jan. (2001). Critical Issue: Promoting Technology Use in Schools. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. Retrieved from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te200.htm

Welcome to my MEDT 7464 blog site. Here I will be posting my own personal thoughts about projects I will be completing in my masters class. The purpose of this blog is to learn how to use a blog in its entirety, as well as how it can be used in an educational setting. My goals are to use this blog effectively, and for my followers to learn a little about technology integration in an educational setting. I will be posting every week as I complete the different projects required for my class. Hope you enjoy!