Technology Integration in the Classroom

Integration of the meaningful use of technology into every facet of the educational setting is a necessary task of the instructor in today’s classroom. Curriculum is greatly enhanced through successful technology integration in order to improve and increase student learning. Instructional practices are improved through the use of technology by promoting the engagement of the many diverse groups of learners present in the classroom. Children respond positively to a wide array of varied technology tools, multi-media presentation methods and student accessed programs teachers now have at their disposal. Lastly, educational assessment and evaluation of student progress can be carried out more efficiently and precisely with the use of current technologies in this area. An in-depth look at curriculum reveals that a framework must be designed and in place to support teachers in the implementation of standards in content areas. Furthermore, “these instructional frameworks are intended to be a model for articulating desired results, assessment processes, and teaching –learning activities that can maximize student achievement relative to performance standards” (GeorgiaStandards.org, 2007). As is evidenced here, in a well-planned educational setting, the end, being student results and/or achievement, justifies the means, as in the adopted curriculum and instructional practices. Enduring understandings are inherent in the curriculum, just as the curriculum serves as the bank of content to be understood and grasped through viable learning activities engaged in during the instructional phase. According to Wiggins and McTighe, “curriculum refers to the specific blueprint for learning that is derived from desired results” (Wiggins & McTighe, 1998). A technology-enhanced curriculum is one that sets forth a map, so to speak, for meaningful learning that includes current and content relevant technology experiences that support the learning goals of the student.