tech+integration

Amanda Jensen Technology Integration Assignment

//The purpose of this assignment was to evaluate technology is being incorporated into the classroom. We were to choose a video and evaluate the particular ways that technology is being used in the classroom setting. I chose a video on online learning. I think that online learning is a somewhat new and interesting development. It has enabled a lot of learning. You can read my response below...//

The video I watched was ‘Susan Patrick: Why Online Learning is a Smart Solution’. This was a very interesting video on technology integration. Patrick’s view is that online learning should become much more prevalent, not just in higher education but more in high schools and middle schools. She says that there is a shortage of teachers who specialize in particular subjects like physics. Since it is unlikely that there will be a sudden surge in specialized subjects like physics it is smart to turn to online learning. This way students can take that specialized class even if there is no teacher at their school. Patrick says it will give students greater opportunities to learn. She also says that research shows that students excel in online classes. Patrick states that if U.S. education is going to start having longer school days online learning would also be beneficial in that manner. Students would be able to be in a different location, learning in a different manner. Research also shows that they learn better when learning in a variety of ways and in a variety of environments. I like what Patrick says about online learning. I think all of her points are valid and I can see them all being effective.

Technology integration is here to stay in my opinion. We live in an age where technology is everywhere. Some of it is very helpful, and some is harmful. It can be an extremely powerful tool. It can be a very useful tool in classrooms. I want to teach kindergarten so I plan to integrate technology at a very basic level. Even at such a young age, children need to learn about the world they live in. Technology is a big part of that world. I think I will want to use multimedia when teaching certain subjects. Pictures, slide shows, videos etc. will all be useful when it comes to teaching young children particular aspects. I know that I will definitely use technology when it comes to IEP’s and other record keeping. Technology integration will prove to be very helpful in multiple ways.