What is Technology Integration?

The definition as given in Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom describes technology integration as “a combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software, together with each subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning.  Furthermore, technology integration is using technology to help meet the curriculum standards and learner outcomes for each lesson, unit, or activity.”  It is imperative in today’s society that educators seek to incorporate technology into their teaching.  However, it is important that the use of technology be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum in a way that enhances what is being taught, but does not overtake the instruction.  According to the above mentioned text, “research is revealing that students retain knowledge longer when they are actively involved in using digital media to meet learning objectives and related benchmarks.”  Based on this information, it is incumbent on teachers to put the needs of their students first by recognizing that technology is a key facet of their lives.  We live in a time where gratification is instant and there is nothing we can not uncover for ourselves thanks to the availability of information through the internet and other forms of media.  Students need to see the relevance in the curriculum and technology integration is a step in the right direction for educators. 

Because we, as educators, know that our students thrive on the relevancy of what they are being asked to learn, we must constantly seek methods for successfully tapping in to what will best connect with our students.  It would be unacceptable to assume that the students are single-handedly responsible for acquiring the needed knowledge for the course with no assistance from the teacher.  It is a combination of teacher-based instruction and student-based learning that provides the optimal learning environment.  By engaging the students in what they are being asked to know in a way that connects to their life and the situations they are facing each day, you are taking curriculum that would otherwise appear mundane and bringing it to life.  This will increase content retention and improve enthusiasm for the learning overall.