My First Blog Post

In order to navigate my site, simply scroll to the top or bottom of the page, and click on the links named “Homepage”, “My First Blog”, etc.

1. What do you understand about technology integration models?
   • I understand the technology integration models are useful tools that allow teachers and students to help make the classroom more engaging and fun for all. The integration models provide simple, but impactful tips and tricks that help subtly move technology into the classroom. For example, in the SAMR model, technology is first integrated by use of enhancement. This means that technology is maybe used as substitute for something, but also adds more skill and learning to the lesson. Then, the SAMR model more towards more enhancement, but essentially more transformation. During this process students and teachers are able to use technology to do activities that were previously unimaginable. Therefore, this one model shows how technology can be used for something as simple as a worksheet, or as complex as a Skype call across the world. Other models further help to show how integration is not only beneficial, but exciting. By using more technology in the classroom, students are able to stay engaged and to progress their learning through new skills and goals. By setting goals based on technology skills, teachers can help students advance more than one subject at a time. For example, students can be working on their technology skills by building a presentation and learning how to use different softwares. At the same time, however, students could be making the presentation for Math, Science, History, and more. Furthermore, while students are working to gain information on different subjects and also using technology to place all their information, students are learning how to organize their ideas and how to write out what they want to say, or not. All in all, by integrating technology by way of using the models, students are able to slowly further their knowledge for multiple subjects and to eventually become proficient in knowing multiple subjects and skills.
2. What GOALS might you set for your classroom based on the technology integration models?
   • A goal that I would set up for a classroom based on technology integration models would be to have students use technology to collaborate and share information with one another. In order for students to learn how to use the technology, they must be able to work through how to put all their ideas together in order to create something worthy of presenting to their classmates. Another goal I would set up in a classroom based on technology integration models would be to develop understanding for technology and how it can be used to help in everyday life. By using the models to help integrate technology, students would be able to slowly and confidently progress their understanding for how to use technology within the classroom. By starting off small with worksheets online and then creating posters or presentations, student would develop understanding on how to use technology, and when it is most beneficial to use it. Then, by progressing and furthering their knowledge through research and activities, students can develop more advanced ways of using technology. By using their knowledge of technology students can look more deeply into subjects and find sources more valuable and helpful to them when making their presentations or posters. Finally, students would be able to take their fully gained knowledge of how to find, organize, and present information in order to now use technology to set up ideas or creations that were previously unimaginable. As I stated above, being able to use technology to get into contact with other schools and students across the country allows students to gain further perspective on life and how they can use technology to advance their own lives.
3. What questions do you still have about technology integration models?
   • Some questions that I still have about technology integration models is how long does it usually take to fully integrate technology into a classroom? As Laura stated in class, some teachers find it best to stay at certain levels of integration and are able to still build lessons and goals around the point that they are at with integration. How long, however, does it take until a student is fully emerged into technology, and is able to at least use it for things that can help them further in life? Another question I have is, are technology integration models being used more frequently now within schools? I know from previous experience that there was a lot of technology integration within my classrooms when growing up, but with all the information and models that I have learned about so far in this class, I was wondering if even more technology is now being implemented? On top of that, is technology integration being used within all of the class? Or are some teachers taking more advantage of the use of technology within their classroom? My final question I have is, at what age is it correct to say that technology should be integrated? With all the new technology arising nowadays, is there some pushback to how old students should be when they are allowed to be set free onto the internet? Are there some parents that don’t allow their children to take part in the technology integration? All in all, at what stage of schooling is it most appropriate to give students the chance to further their technology knowledge, and are students always ready to be given the chance to use something so powerful?