'technology is integrated when it is used in a seamless manner to support and extend curriculum objectives and to engage students in meaningful learning'. I think this is an important point, technology needs to be integrated because if it is a separate subject (an 'add on') it will not be used to it's full potential.
Dias lists the barriers to Technology Integration
- Time - to learn how to use the software and hardware, to plan, to collaborate.
- Training - professional development is a key part of technology integration.
- Resources - without the appropriate hardware and software to support the curriculum integration cannot take place.
- Support - leadership, technical and financial support is essential.
At my school I have the time (ICT Lead Teacher Release), I have the training (ICT professional development contract), what I am lacking is resources and financial support. I would love to use so much more NET in my classroom but I just don't have the resources. I believe that all 4 of these barriers need to be overcome for effective Technology Integration to take place.
2 comments:
I think these 4 barriers are there for all of us...however I would hope that at time passes and initiatives like computers in homes etc become more entrenched we will begin to expect that NET resourcing is part of the everyday spending in a school
I have one computer in my classroom and I use computers as follows
I divide my children in groups of three and have created five stations.
These could be projects, worksheets, hands-on activities, reading, and more. If you have one computer, one of the activities will be on the computer. If you have more, change the activities to match your situation.
Activities based on topic tudies.
Group 1 reads books
Group 2 write a report
Group 3 Group 3 reads about the science
Group 4 takes class survey information
Group 5 researches bookmarked Internet sites to find information
The teacher floats from group to group as facilitator. Groups can remain stationary for a set amount of time, or could move to the next group each day until all tasks are completed. Not all groups would do all 5 tasks but all groups would have had technology use as least one day.
This works in my class. This suggestion was given by Jaqui Sharp.
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