Technology integration in the classroom
Technology integration is not simply about putting high-technology equipments inside the classroom. It needs to be carefully planned, structured and needless to say well funded. Be mindful, though, that technology is merely a tool. Its use shouldn’t therefore deviate the main focus on the actual course contents.
This blog entry will look at some of the technologies that could be integrated in the classroom and discusses the strategies that I have employed while teaching ICT.
Eliminate Notes Writing
Preparing lessons in a projectable material (i.e. computer/video projector) will eliminate the time required to write them on the board. As a result, the teacher will have more time to discuss the subject matter and interact more with the students. If there’s a need to provide the students with additional notes, print it out and reproduce it for everybody. If possible, do not give out your notes until you’re done with the discussion. You don’t want to see your students reading the notes while you’re talking.
Use of Courseware
A courseware is a computer software designed for educational or training use. Students learn in various ways. Keep in mind that students retain 10 percent of what they read, 20 percent of what they hear, 30 percent of what they see, 50 percent of what they see and hear, 70 percent of what they talk over with others, and 80 percent of what they use. Courseware is very effective in providing a visual context for student learning. They also provide a means for interacting and collaborating with other students. The use of coursewares in the classroom could improve retention.
Plug In Your Network Cables
Bringing the Internet inside the classroom in a controlled environment could provide many advantages since some information are not just available through traditional textbook. Encourage the students to use the Internet for research. Keep them mindful, though, that not all Internet sources are credible. It is important that the teacher should build a database of credible information or at least provide links to verified sources related to the subject matter.
Classroom Automation
Where available, utilize whatever technology infrastructure you could in the classroom such as projection system, automated whiteboards (aka smart board), Clicker, and other multimedia technologies. I was the first professor in our university to utilize computer-based examination system for my periodic major exams. I wrote a network-enabled database-driven program similar to what is now known as a computer adaptive test. As more professional regulatory examinations are automated, using computer-based examination will better prepare the students for future licensure tests.
Teacher Retooling and Organization
As pointed out earlier, technology integration is not simply about putting high-tech equipments inside the classroom. Another critical success factor of this effort is the re-tooling of the teachers. Obviously, teachers must be trained on how to use these technologies. On the organizational side, it would be helpful if somebody is designated to oversee the entire technology infrastructure of the school (i.e. Director of Academic Computing, IT Administrator, etc.)
Final Word
Technology integration is a very costly endeavor. As with all other projects, ICT should be viewed as an investment rather than as an expense. As such, its benefits should be more than enough to justify the cost of integration. When properly embraced, ICT will surely enhance the learning process. Always remember that it is how technology is applied, not the technology itself, that will ultimately determine its value for teaching and learning.
ENTRY FROM John Clark: http://www.theblogzone.net/, my blogger friend who's originally from the Philippines. This entry is not just for the Filipino Teachers, or the American Teachers, it's for all the teachers to know *wink*
Thank you for making ICT Integration a simple concept for all of us :)
Posted by: Erlyn Manguilimotan | Monday, July 24, 2006 at 10:25