Laura Adams
SLM 521
Article 2
Integrating
Technology into Instruction
This article was written by an information media
specialist and describes a system to effectively incorporate technology and the
internet into the classroom. The approach is divided into five phases: planning, research, development, refinement,
and implementation. However, before beginning this process the concepts and
final goal / product must be identified. First, the planning phase involves
creating the motivation or “hook” to get the students attention, determining
prior knowledge through brainstorming, creating concept maps and developing
question about the topic of study. The
software Inspiration (http://www.inspiration.com) is referred
to in the article as an effective tool for creating concept maps. The research phase includes the use of the
internet and email to begin to expand and broaden the knowledge base. The development, refinement and
implementation phases create the format and final product that will show that
learning has occurred. The author emphasizes that the planning phase is vital
to the success of the lesson and may be revisited frequently throughout the
process. The use of the internet and its publishing capabilities are a powerful
motivator to students can create an exciting atmosphere in the classroom and
can elevate the level of understanding beyond rote to synthesis, analysis and
evaluation. The author concludes that combining
classroom content and technology means “the tools are not the focus of the
instruction but are imbedded in the facilitation of the learning process.”
Like many just beginning the study of the
integration of technology into instruction, the topic can be overwhelming. I
agree that it is an essential tool for today’s schools and look forward to
expanding my own knowledge base on the subject.
I enjoy creating and learning with the use of technology and want to
share that with my students. I liked how the process presented in this article
broke down the task into straightforward, logical, sequential steps. I can
visualize its use in the classrooms in older students. However, I intend to
teach K-2 and am struggling with how to apply the framework to a task at the
appropriate level for my future students. I would like to further investigate
this and similar processes and adopt a method which will work for me in my
classroom.
Source:
Robertson, Bill. (March/April 2000). Integrating
Technology into Instruction. MultiMedia Schools. Retrieved on