I hear the word being used constantly. How do you use Technology in the classroom? Are you integrating Technology? I used to teach a Technology class at my old school. Heck, I'm even on the Technology committee in my building. I use the term as well. What does it mean? Isn't Technology too generic? When we use the term, are we talking about devices, digital text or social media? I think we mean all of them actually.
When we talk about integrating Technology, for the most part, I think we mean devices. Isn't a paper and pencil Technology though? At some point in history when the pencil was invented, teachers and administrators probably talked about integrating them into the classroom.
I think we need to start separating these ideas. If we want to integrate devices, then say that. If we want to incorporate social media, say that. If we want our students reading digital text, then put a device in their hands and get them reading. I just think the phrase "Integrating Technology" has become overused and generic.
I almost hate this term at this point. Is there another term or terms we can use in place of Technology.
I hope at some point we aren't talking about how to integrate it anymore and it is just a part of what we do. Ten years from now we better be doing it, and not talking about it.
*(I know that technology shouldn't be capitalized all the time, but I used it for emphasis here.)
"Technology" should be invisible in the classroom. Do kids get excited when their friend beside them whips out a new mechanical pencil? Picking up a device or a teacher using a tech tool shouldn't interrupt a teaching moment. It is just part of it. just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to put it Joel. That's what I mean when I say that I hope we aren't talking about it at all in 10 years or even 5 years. It should just be there an be a part of what we do.
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