EduTech: Understanding the Effectiveness of Technology Integration

A tendency toward incorporating technology into the educational process is on the increase in schools, districts, and departments of education alike. One may argue that it has always been this way. However, with the development of Internet connection in school buildings and the pervasiveness of mobile computing devices, educators are taking notice and considering new methods to incorporate these technologies into classroom learning.

Educational technology as a structured field is still in its infancy. As a result, professional development and training approaches continue to evolve. Teachers in many school districts are choosing to take the lead on their own digital integration by testing out new applications with their students and curriculum. It’s not unusual to see a teacher bring his or her own iPad into the classroom to help with education and identify it as technology integration. However, it is ineffectual. The following is a methodical strategy to successfully and efficiently incorporate technology into the classroom.

Consider relative advantage – Before introducing any new technology into the classroom, consider whether there is a relative benefit. In other words, is there a need that a certain technical tool can meet? Identifiable needs may include, but are not limited to, decreasing student success, declining student involvement in learning, new school or district regulations, or a revised set of expectations. Rather of looking for an intriguing new gadget or instructional software and then looking for an issue to fix, do a needs-based evaluation of the classroom and then look for the best tool or method to satisfy that need.

Determine objectives and suitable assessments – Once a need has been recognized and the relative advantage of a specific technology has been analyzed, the following step is to determine objectives and appropriate evaluations. To do this, keep the following questions in mind while you plan: 1) What will pupils be able to accomplish? 2) How long will it take them to do it? 3) At what level of proficiency will they be able to complete this task? and 3) how will they demonstrate that the goal was met? As an example, consider the following: All pupils will be able to recall basic multiplication facts through 12 with 80% competency on a five-minute paper-based math facts exam after three weeks of utilizing a specific math program.

Create instructional techniques – As you get closer to introducing technology into the classroom, consider students’ preparedness levels as well as their physical and emotional requirements. This will aid in the development of suitable student groups and a fluid activity sequence of teaching. Naturally, you will not want to start a huge technology-based project on the first day. After doing a prerequisite needs assessment, that time should be used to educate students on how to use the tool. Similarly, delaying an educational step longer than required can have a detrimental impact on both the technology integration effort and student accomplishment.

Prepare the teaching environment – It is also critical to ensure that the learning environment is prepared for the introduction of new technologies while building mindful instructional practices. Aside from establishing a solid foundation for technology-based learning, being acutely aware of the classroom layout, and available materials, and disseminating information to learners and parents about new technology.Technology
Analyze findings and revise – While this is the sole stage that occurs when a specific technology is implemented, it is nevertheless critical to the entire integration strategy. At this point, teachers examine the objectives specified as well as the numerous tests performed and draw objective judgments about what succeeded and what didn’t. Allowing any effective and long-lasting technology integration strategy to grow over time through frequent updates of the preceding four processes is critical. Failure to examine outcomes and change integration procedures can lead to dissatisfaction, tiredness, and waste of important resources, not to mention lost possibilities for deeper learning and improved training.