Teachers of the 21st century know the what, why and how of technology integration

So your goal is to be a teacher for the 21st century. The easy way is to stay in the profession for two more years! However, if your goal is to be a teacher that prepares students for the 21st century, then your objective has to be more challenging. The teacher of the future must be not only accomplished in instructional techniques and technology, but also in the integration of technology into the curriculum. The questions arise of what is technology integration, why should we integrate and how do we integrate. The Jerome Joint School District #261 has spent the last 18 months trying to answer these questions. Although integration models and instructional practices are still developing and being assessed, following are some of the insights into technology integration and some examples teachers in our K-12 district have found to be effective.

What is Technology Integration?

Let's first define what it is not. Integration is not putting computers in the classroom without teacher training. It will not happen without training. Integration is not substituting 30 minutes of reading for 30 minutes of computer skill development. It is, however, using computers to teach 30 minutes of reading. Integration is not providing application software like electronic encyclopedias, spreadsheets, databases, etc. without a purpose. It is not prepackaged programs that are often unrelated activities clustered around a particular topic that address few higher concepts or goals. Nor is it teacher created programs that cover special interests and/or technical expertise but do not fit content-area curriculum. Defining what technology integration is and is not is the first step in deciding how to integrate it into the classroom.

Now let's define what it is. Technology integration is using computers effectively and efficiently in the general content areas to allow students to learn how to apply computer skills in meaningful ways. Discrete computer skills take on new meaning when they are integrated within the curriculum. Integration is incorporating technology in a manner that enhances student learning. Technology integration is using software supported by the business world for real-world applications so students learn to use computers flexibly, purposefully and creatively. Technology integration is having the curriculum drive technology usage, not having technology drive the curriculum. Finally, technology integration is organizing the goals...