Technology in the Classroom

I would like to see teachers using technology in their classroom, not solely inside a computer lab. The vision and goal is for technology to be not integrated, but embedded into what students are doing in the regular classroom. John Bauer and Jeffrey Kenton (2005) define embedded technology as a, "Full-time daily operation within lessons” (p. 535). The best use for technology is for it to be used every day. Students in my school get technology instruction once a week for fifty minutes. That isn’t enough time for good instruction in any curricular area. Evan Glazer, Michael Hannafin and Liyan Song (2005) define embedded technology is when, "Students learn with technology, while simultaneously becoming increasingly comfortable with technology tools” (p. 62). Embedding technology into classroom curriculum helps build better understanding in areas such as reading, math, science and social studies along with helping students gain better skills in the use of technology. It also helps students see that technology isn’t something that should be separate from all other subjects, but a tool to enhance all subjects.

Bauer, J., & Kenton, J. (2005). Toward Technology Integration in the Schools: Why it isn't Happening. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education. 13(4), 519-546.

Glazer, E., Hannafin, M. J., & Song, L. (2005). Promoting Technology Integration through Collaborative Apprenticeship. Educational Technology Research and Development. 53(4), 57-68.