5.4: Planning for Technology Integration
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- Identify factors such as available resources, infrastructure, and professional development needs.
Planning for Technology Integration
In this section, we will dig deeper into important aspects of planning for technology integration in teaching and learning. Planning for technology integration is important to you, whether you are an educator, a curriculum designer, or simply someone interested in understanding how technology can be effectively integrated into education. In this section, we will look at four topics to consider: Aligning with learning objectives, identifying a pedagogical approach, a focus on student centered learning, and accessibility (Schmidt, et. al, 2023).
Align with Learning Objectives
When planning a lesson or unit, it's crucial to start by clearly outlining the specific learning objectives, knowledge, and skills you aim for your students to develop. These should align with academic standards and course goals, identifying key concepts, processes, and abilities. An essential next step is considering how the integration of classroom technology can support these learning objectives, enhancing the overall learning experience.
For instance, let's consider a science unit on plant growth. The primary goal is for students to understand the key stages of the plant life cycle. Here, technology integration can be transformative. Time-lapse video clips can visually illustrate the growth process, while interactive diagrams and simulations bring abstract concepts to life. Digital field trips offer a virtual hands-on experience, and a digital journaling app enables students to document and reflect on plant growth firsthand. In this scenario, technology isn't just an add-on; it's a vital tool that enriches the curriculum goal.
Pedagogical Approach
What do we mean by pedagogical approach? A pedagogical approach is a method and practice of teaching that includes the strategies and techniques used by educators to facilitate learning. When integrating any technological tool, the primary focus should be on how it offers meaningful improvements over traditional instruction. This includes evaluating its capacity for better visualization, immersion, customized feedback, applied practice, or greater accessibility. Here are some examples in how to address those issues in your pedagogical approach.
Consider 4th graders learning about early European exploration of North America. Using digital mapping software, they can interactively explore key geographical concepts. This approach is not only more engaging than a traditional textbook lesson but also helps students visualize historical routes and landscapes, making the learning experience more concrete and memorable.
In a high school or college accounting course, the integration of technology can transform abstract concepts into tangible skills. For example, students can analyze real company financial statements imported into spreadsheet software. This method offers an authentic data analysis experience that goes beyond the capabilities of textbook examples, providing a practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Student-Centered Learning
What is meant by student-centered learning? It is a teaching method where the focus is on the students' needs and interests, encouraging them to actively participate and collaborate in their own learning. To encourage active participation and collaboration among students, there are many technology tools that can be used. Online discussion forums, collaborative document editing, and virtual group projects are not just innovative tools; they are ways to help foster deeper student engagement and peer-to-peer learning.
For instance, online discussion forums can be a platform for students to explore and debate course topics outside the traditional classroom setting. This not only provides opportunities for critical thinking but also allows quieter students to express their ideas more comfortably. In a science class, students could collaboratively edit a document to compile research findings, encouraging teamwork and the synthesis of collective knowledge. Virtual group projects, especially in a globalized classroom, can bring diverse perspectives together, teaching students valuable lessons in cross-cultural communication and cooperation. These projects can culminate in virtual presentations, allowing students to develop not only their understanding of the subject matter but also their digital communication skills.
Accessibility
When selecting technology for educational purposes, it's essential to ensure that it is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This might mean choosing software with built-in accessibility features or providing alternative resources to accommodate diverse learning needs. A key resource in this process is the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
A VPAT a tool used to assess how a product aligns with accessibility standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It provides detailed information about a product's accessibility, outlining how it supports assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other tools vital for individuals with disabilities to access digital content. Think of a VPAT as a report card that grades a technology product on its accessibility features. It's a straightforward way for schools and organizations to gauge whether a technology product meets the diverse needs of their students, including those with disabilities.
Accessibility should be a primary consideration in technology selection in education. The VPAT is a valuable tool in this process, helping to identify technologies that are not just powerful and innovative but also inclusive and accessible to all students. By emphasizing the importance of accessibility and utilizing resources like the VPAT, educational institutions can make informed decisions that benefit every student.
Schmitz, M.-L., Antonietti, C., Consoli, T., Cattaneo, A., Gonon, P., & Petko, D. (2023). Transformational Leadership for Technology Integration in schools: Empowering teachers to use technology in a more demanding way. Computers & Education, 204, 104880.
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. US Government, General Services Administration.
Image created by Renee Albrecht. CC-BY 4.0