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.
Easy Ways To Utilize Technology
When you are trying to start small, consider these types of activities:
Tip: Link the site to your classroom website which should be easy to navigate to with a bookmark already established.
- Set up all of your students early in the school year with the online learning platform provided by your district. Practice using it with a digital notebook, like this one for your Prehistory unit.
- Explore an interactive website like this one for your Prehistory unit: The Lascaux Cave
Tip: Link the site to your classroom website which should be easy to navigate to with a bookmark already established.
- Utilize an interactive review game to wrap up a unit, like this one for your ancient Mesopotamia unit.
- Have students complete a short quiz using a google-form.
- Have students complete a digital worksheet and submit it using your district’s virtual platform of choice.
- Although I have no experience myself, I have heard of teachers utilizing platforms like Canva where they allow students to complete a creative task - like these Choice Board activities.
- Use online platforms like Kahoot where students can submit responses to questions using individual devices.
Ways To Use Digital Resources
Many teachers accumulated a collection of digital resources during 2020 and 2021. Even though we are back to in-person instruction, there are ways you can still utilize those resources. Check out these ideas:
- Small or Large Group Instruction - Use your projector and display the resource/activity on the screen and utilize it during your instruction. You might complete the activity as a group, or you might use it to model for students – a great alternative to using a document camera with a printed version.
- Center or Station Activity - Digital resources can be a great option for station activities. Have your students spend 15 minutes at the station and then rotate to the next activity. Try to have a mix of hands-on and digital activities when you set up stations.
- Independent Work Stations - Utilize your digital resources/activities when you need to have select students work independently. This is a great way to have work ready to go at a moment’s notice.
- Early Finishers - When you have students who finish their work early, give them a fun engaging digital activity to complete. There’s no prep work for you, and they get a little extra work with the content.
- Make-Up Work for Absent Students - Are parents sending you emails about wanting make-up work for their child? Send them the digital copy of the activity you completed in class that day.
- In-School Suspension Work - Did you just get notified one of your students will be in in-school suspension for the day? And you have no time to go see the student in person? Quickly send an email with the digital version of your class assignments.
- Remedial Practice - Any resources you have that cover main ideas, core concepts, or essential vocabulary, is perfect for students who need a little extra practice. Perhaps a parent, tutor, or paraprofessional is looking to help a student with some extra practice. Digital resources can be an easy fix with no prep work!
- Assign During a Remote Learning Day - Many districts are going to remote learning days instead of having bad weather or snow days. Sometimes these are unexpected, and having digital versions of assignments are handy to have all ready to go.
- Emergency Plans - Sometimes the best laid out lessons don’t work out. Having a digital activity on hand to keep students working can be a lifesaver.
- Differentiation - Technology offers lots of options for providing modifications to fit student needs. Many districts are utilizing digital test formats for this very reason. Google can read text to students. Speech to text can benefit students who need writing support. And there are translation options for bilingual students.
Final Thoughts About Technology Integration
Using technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. But you must remember the priority should always be doing what’s best for your students - and for you.
It’s much easier - and less stressful for all - to incorporate technology with small strategies, than to take on a massive project or try to use it every day.
It’s much easier - and less stressful for all - to incorporate technology with small strategies, than to take on a massive project or try to use it every day.
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Welcome! I'm Hillary Midgley, a veteran 6th grade teacher.
I create educational materials and develop curriculum for other teachers. I specialize in teaching students how to learn through my Study Skills Curriculum. I have established fundamental classroom systems and structures for teachers to help them streamline their classroom. And my passion is teaching ancient history through engaging activities with foundations in academic skills. Here you will find resources on all of these topics and more. Learn more about me here.
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