Saturday, July 31, 2010
Technology Integration Strategies
This is a topic that should interest ALL Reading Specialists.
Our students are exposed to the technology and we cannot underestimate their ability to use it.The question is: Can we just complain about the lack of facilities at our school?Do we want the technology integration to be an elusive goal? We have to remember the benefits of technology integration and there are ways, to make it easy for us to integrate the technology. It is important for us to use the technology because other important technologies are emerging , such as gaming simulations and streaming media. So we have to keep up!
Hopper & Hendricks, (2008) are of the view that teachers should stop looking for some technology magic and use the technology at hand.Teachers must be aware that although there might be technology problems,they must see it as part of the learning process.(Bitner & Bitner, 2002).
Teachers must use online technologies in the classroom because there are online websites that can engage students attention on subject matter.If teachers use these resources, time is saved on teacher preparation and there are more materials to study.Therefore, the web based tools on Google docs such as wikis and blogs, which allows users to collaborate on shared documents.
Lastly, here I will point out that it is important for teachers to model technology use.The technology must be used sensibly, not routinely. This means that the technology must be used to demonstrate how one can improve their work. When students observe how beneficial the technology can be for their learning, they will be interested.
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Sad to say, Jennifer, there are teachers who are quite skilled in technology use, yet, do not integrate it into their instructional practice. It happens here in our own country and the literature confirms that it is a known phenomenon (Turbill & Murray, 2006). I agree that it is our responsibility as educators to use all our skills and knowledge for the benefit of our students, but first there must be commitment and a grounded philosophy that we must prepare students for the literacy futures that they deserve.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the International Reading Association (2002), effectively integrating technologies and new literacies into the current language curriculum is the responsibility of all educators. In addition, home reading can be developed in a way that builds bridges between home and school literacy practices, resulting in higher achievement in reading (Allington, 1977, 2006). Darling (2005) has also suggested that it is empowering for parents to be involved in their children's schooling. Unfortunately, many homes do not have the software or computer needed for replicating work that has been done in school. This is where teachers will have to be creative and find other ways to involve and also motivate their students' parents.
Good point, Jennifer but we have a long way to go. Many teachers are literally "afraid' of the technology. It's natural to resist change and using technology in our classrooms means that we must start doing things a different way. Some will have to give up the 'expert' position that they have occupied for so long. The possible uses of technology to enhance learning are endless. Let's embrace it for the sake of our students.
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