Technology Integration In the Classroom

   Technology integration is the daily use of technology in the classroom.  Technology integration will not be reached until students do not realize that they are using it.  Once students can research a project online without thinking about it, then technology integration is present.

   There are many different ways that technology can be integrated into elementary school classrooms.  A great way to incorporate technology is to have students create group projects using some sort of technology.  For example, the students could make a video depictint the definition of a certain vocabulary word.

   I would like to use technology in my classroom, however, I do not think that I would integrate technology into my daily routine.  At least I wiould not fully integrate technology into my class right away.  I believe that it is important for students to learn things on their own and notjust rely on a search engine to tell them their information.  Now I love search engines and I think they are an amazing tool but I believe that it is important for students to learn how to do research and solve problems in other ways as well.  The way I see technology integration is the same way I look at the use of calculators.  Calculators are fantastic tools and make problem-solving quick and easy.  However, young students should not be permitted to use calculators because they need to learn the basics first.

   I think for early elementary students it is important for them to learn how to type on a computer.  There are many computer games made specifically for this that help students get accustomed to using computers.  Also, students of this age group are still learning fundamentals.  It is important that their lessons be focused on the foundations for learning.  There are many computer programs that are great for elementary students such as MathBlaster and WiggleWorks.  These programs use math and reading and have created fun games out of the concepts.  The students love using the programs and they do not realize that they are learning while they use them.  The students in my practicum class use these programs and really enjoy the time they are allowed to spend on them.

                                                                                           By: Alaina Latella