An Easy Approach to Technology Integration in the Classroom
The integration of technology into the classroom has become a hot topic in the past few years.
Obviously, the pandemic in 2020 launched a frantic need for digital teaching materials when we all found ourselves stuck at home.
Now that most aspects of daily life have gotten back to normal, we find ourselves as educators in a very interesting situation.
The consequences of remote/distance/virtual learning have been staggering. It is overwhelmingly obvious that students need to be in school. Many teachers have gone back to hands-on teaching materials. And so many students are benefiting as a result.
Obviously, the pandemic in 2020 launched a frantic need for digital teaching materials when we all found ourselves stuck at home.
Now that most aspects of daily life have gotten back to normal, we find ourselves as educators in a very interesting situation.
The consequences of remote/distance/virtual learning have been staggering. It is overwhelmingly obvious that students need to be in school. Many teachers have gone back to hands-on teaching materials. And so many students are benefiting as a result.
And yet… we as educators find that there is still a push for technology integration within our classrooms.
Perhaps it is because school districts shelled out a lot of money for technological infrastructure back in 2020 and 2021. It makes sense that they want to see it utilized.
Or perhaps it is because we are living in the age of technology where it is constantly evolving. And no doubt, it is a part of our future.
If we are trying to prepare students for a technology infused future, then wouldn’t it make sense to use technology in the classroom?
Whatever the case may be - many teachers are finding themselves in a situation where they are being pressured by their district and administrators to include technology within their instruction.
This blog post explores a practical approach to appropriate technology integration in the classroom.
What Does Technology Integration Look Like In The Classroom?
In order for the concept of technology integration to be considered “achieved” there are three main components that must be evident.
1 - The technology becomes part of regular routines in the classroom.
2 - The technology is readily available.
3 - The use of technology supports curriculum and learning goals.
It should immediately be obvious that complete technology integration is not always possible.
Not every classroom is sufficiently designed - it could be lack of reliable wifi, or not enough power outlets. Not every classroom has regular access to technology.
1 - The technology becomes part of regular routines in the classroom.
2 - The technology is readily available.
3 - The use of technology supports curriculum and learning goals.
It should immediately be obvious that complete technology integration is not always possible.
Not every classroom is sufficiently designed - it could be lack of reliable wifi, or not enough power outlets. Not every classroom has regular access to technology.
Is Technology Integration Appropriate?
Besides the question of whether or not technology integration is feasible, teachers must always start with whether it is appropriate for their students.
Our students have many needs. Depending on where they are developmentally, technology may not be a good choice.
Many teachers have recently reported their students’ obvious relief when technology is not required.
Perhaps you have a group of students who are eager and excited to use technology. Perhaps not.
And what about the teacher? What is appropriate for the teacher - what are they comfortable with? There is nothing worse than being forced to use something that you have no interest in.
And what about support? Is there any support for the teacher when it comes to all the troubleshooting that will most likely be necessary?
Our students have many needs. Depending on where they are developmentally, technology may not be a good choice.
Many teachers have recently reported their students’ obvious relief when technology is not required.
Perhaps you have a group of students who are eager and excited to use technology. Perhaps not.
And what about the teacher? What is appropriate for the teacher - what are they comfortable with? There is nothing worse than being forced to use something that you have no interest in.
And what about support? Is there any support for the teacher when it comes to all the troubleshooting that will most likely be necessary?
A Practical Approach To Technology Integration
I can’t say the concept of full integration is appropriate for my own 6th grade classroom. However, I do think it’s appropriate to incorporate technology into my instruction.
That being said, here are the steps I take to weaving technology into my classroom.
Step 1 - Start with the needs of the students.
Some classes can handle the responsibility of using technology. And others… not so much. I am of the mindset to always do what I can to set up my students for success. Therefore I would not plan technology for a class where I can already foresee struggling students.
Step 2 - Consider the comfort level of the teacher.
If you are going to use technology, be sure that you as the teacher are very familiar with that technology. It can be laptops, chromebooks, iPads, etc. Doesn’t matter. But the teacher needs to be comfortable and familiar with it before utilizing it in the classroom. Otherwise that makes anticipating situations and troubleshooting that more more frustrating, time consuming, and likely to not end well.
Step 3 - Know what technology is available to use.
There is no sense in researching different lessons if you don’t know what you actually have access to.
Do you have access at any time? Or do you need to schedule in advance?
Step 4 - Find support.
If the district or administrator is pushing for the use of technology, then they should also be providing support for their teachers. Find it, and use it.
If there’s none to be found, then don’t waste your time.
Step 5 - Determine your classroom procedures and expectations for using technology.
This is an absolute must. Everything you do in your classroom should have an established procedure that you teach your students. The use of technology is no different.
Step 6 - Start with small tasks.
Don’t overwhelm yourself or your students by thinking you have to do a big project right away. Start small. Consider your first unit of study - it’s early in the year and you are establishing procedures. Plan one technology lesson during your first unit. And make it as simple as possible.
If that goes well, then plan another for your second unit. Or maybe two lessons that are again, small tasks.
Remember that teaching students to use technology effectively works exactly the same as teaching students any other particular skill. Start small, and build on it.
If your students respond well to the lesson, then keep going. But if it turns into a disaster or students don’t engage well, then pull back and re-evaluate.
Either way, don’t plan for anything big until at least the second semester. And make sure that your students are fully comfortable with the tech before you commit to doing a big project.
That being said, here are the steps I take to weaving technology into my classroom.
Step 1 - Start with the needs of the students.
Some classes can handle the responsibility of using technology. And others… not so much. I am of the mindset to always do what I can to set up my students for success. Therefore I would not plan technology for a class where I can already foresee struggling students.
Step 2 - Consider the comfort level of the teacher.
If you are going to use technology, be sure that you as the teacher are very familiar with that technology. It can be laptops, chromebooks, iPads, etc. Doesn’t matter. But the teacher needs to be comfortable and familiar with it before utilizing it in the classroom. Otherwise that makes anticipating situations and troubleshooting that more more frustrating, time consuming, and likely to not end well.
Step 3 - Know what technology is available to use.
There is no sense in researching different lessons if you don’t know what you actually have access to.
Do you have access at any time? Or do you need to schedule in advance?
Step 4 - Find support.
If the district or administrator is pushing for the use of technology, then they should also be providing support for their teachers. Find it, and use it.
If there’s none to be found, then don’t waste your time.
Step 5 - Determine your classroom procedures and expectations for using technology.
This is an absolute must. Everything you do in your classroom should have an established procedure that you teach your students. The use of technology is no different.
Step 6 - Start with small tasks.
Don’t overwhelm yourself or your students by thinking you have to do a big project right away. Start small. Consider your first unit of study - it’s early in the year and you are establishing procedures. Plan one technology lesson during your first unit. And make it as simple as possible.
If that goes well, then plan another for your second unit. Or maybe two lessons that are again, small tasks.
Remember that teaching students to use technology effectively works exactly the same as teaching students any other particular skill. Start small, and build on it.
If your students respond well to the lesson, then keep going. But if it turns into a disaster or students don’t engage well, then pull back and re-evaluate.
Either way, don’t plan for anything big until at least the second semester. And make sure that your students are fully comfortable with the tech before you commit to doing a big project.
