Reaction Paper

1. Technology integration was the topic of this week’s chapter assignment. The chapterdiscussed two learning theories for a foundation to integration: Directed models andConstructivist models. The directed theory revolves around behavior and the processingof information. The constructivist theory deals with more of a “hands on” and socialaspect approach. I would imagine most students at the early levels of learning are morevisual and social learners taking more from experiences than a book. I guess it justdepends on your beliefs and how you can best implement a strategy based upon yourclassroom. I personally feel that the classrooms in Piaget’s day were a lot less diversethan today’s. I think a teacher’s theory should be like a floating floor adjusting to its newroom constantly. Integrating technology into a classroom can be very tedious and there are many thingsthat teachers need to take under consideration. The (TIP) or Technology Integration Planis a model that is used to “help teachers (especially those new to technology) plan foreffective classroom uses of technology” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010). I was prettyimpressed with the model and how it went into detail with each of its phases. The phasesare broken down easy with the teacher in mind. The first stage allows teachers to setlearning goals for themselves. The next phase assists the teacher in deciding whether thelesson would be better with or without technology. I mean, it really breaks it down verywell with each of its six stages. There is also a lot of information in books and online. Ifound a pretty cool article that discussed seven different ways teachers could integratetechnology into the classroom. Create a clear vision of what a technological classroomlooks like, build an on-campus and online learning network, and invest in yourself as ateacher. These are just a few things that will help in integrating technology into theclassroom. The chapter discusses vital conditions to be present before and during integratingtechnology. Just as I have learned to create a clear vision of what a classroom integratedwith technology looks like. It is also important to share your vision so that all levels ofthe school and district can properly plan for what will be needed. Policies have to be putin place to ensure safe and ethical use of the internet. There are so many things that canhappen these days with viruses and hackers. You definitely would not want to have aparent file a lawsuit on you or the school for inappropriate matter on the internet. Schoolsalso have to implement technical assistance and skilled personnel that would help mentor,train, coach, and model how the technology works. Unfortunately, that is one area whereteachers are at a loss. The training department for teachers is not what it should be.Teachers are constantly taking training courses that are more like daily workshops.Technology should be set up differently because of the many facets that it entails. Finally,teaching strategies are the key to success. Teachers have to find an accurate and efficientway to teach and assess their students. I believe that once a teacher has many of thesethings in place the classroom will be transformed into a new, more advanced classroom;A classroom that works with the teacher and for the students. It is easy to see how fast technology is growing. It is a decision of the schools todecide what kind of technology program to implement. It is the schools responsibility tostick with the plan and back that plan so that it has the best chance for success. The
2. teacher’s role is a vital one while integrating technology. They are the ones that will beusing, teaching, and assessing students. There are several resources available to teachersoutside of the school. Teachers who really want a classroom integrated with technologywill have to work for it. There is a place for technology in every classroom around theworld no matter the size.