Statement+of+Instructional+Technology

Incorporating Technology Into a Crowded Curriculum

Technology should fit into curriculum as another channel of literacy that students must master in order to be successful in the current, scientifically advanced culture that they will join. To be productive in this culture, students must be able to use common Web 2.0 tools (Internet, Search engines, Word formatting software, Networking sites, etc.), otherwise they will be behind the curve and not able to compete for jobs. This is tangible in the classroom by integrating technology in a way that exceeds merely typing a paper. Students must learn not only learn how to format professional polished documents, but also learn how to critically analyze websites for credibility. They must learn how to communicate with peers in a nontraditional way that may use e-mail or networking sites. They must learn to use different combinations of expression, like video imaging, in order to communicate on multiple levels. This belief about technology integration will be apparent in my future classroom, since I want to acknowledge that each student has unique strengths and different types of learning. By giving students the chance to experiment with all forms of expression and communication, their strengths will be highlighted and they will be more marketable in the job world.

 I do understand, though, that curriculums are already spilling over with content and expectations. As a language arts teacher, I will be responsible for teaching reading, writing, and grammar, and even that poses a challenge with the time allotted to create students who master each standard. How, then, can a teacher who must cover a broad-spectrum of information include instruction in technology? By incorporating it with what the students are already learning! If a social studies teacher must teach her students about the Great Depression, why not create a richer experience by letting students actively participate in their learning by researching facts, viewing authentic images, reading otherwise hard-to-find narratives, and lastly creating their own product to high light what they’ve learned, outside of just writing a research paper. Language arts teacher must teach literacy, and I believe visual and auditory literacy qualify and students must be exposed to these genres of communication. Instead of just writing a story, why not give them the tools to create the world of this story through film and presentation. Students can also practice the skill of revising by editing footage and polishing a product for publication. Technology Web 2.0 tools support these goals and must be incorporated. Teachers are also responsible for mastering these technological skills to create the best learning experience for our students. With the ever-evolving world of technology, teacher must prepare students for what to expect and give them the tools necessary to not only survive, but to participate and succeed.

Berk, R. (2010). How Do You Leverage the Latest Technologies, including Web 2.0 Tools, in Your Classroom?. //International Journal of Technology in Teaching & Learning//, 6(1), 1-13. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

Chen, F., Looi, C., & Chen, W. (2009). Integrating technology in the classroom: a visual conceptualization of teachers' knowledge, goals and beliefs. //Journal of Computer Assisted Learning,// 25(5), 470-488. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2729.2009.00323.x.

Kervin, L., & Mantei, J. (2010). Supporting educators with the inclusion of technology within literacy classrooms: A framework for "action". //Journal of Technology Integration in the Classroom,// 2(3), 43-54. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

Back to Lily's Electronic Portfolio