Integrating Technology in the Classroom with Tools, Training, and Techniques!
Long gone are the days of just chalkboard and chalk! The use of technology has become an important skill for both students and teachers to master. There is much talk about integrating technology in the classroom, but what does that mean? How can technology be incorporated into the learning environment, and why is it beneficial to do so?
What Does Integrating Technology in the Classroom Mean? The combination of technology with curriculum to enhance the learning experience, involving both the student and the teacher, sets the foundation of what Integrating Technology in the Classroom is all about.
How Can Technology Be Incorporated into the Learning Environment? InfoSource believes that there are three distinct steps to successfully integrate technology in the classroom:
Step 1
Learn It! - Teachers must learn how to use and become comfortable with computers, software applications, and related technologies, which help them to do their jobs more efficiently, such as preparing grade books, planning lessons, doing research on the Web, creating presentations, updating student rosters, and other behind-the-scenes activities. To learn more click here.
Step 2
Build It! - Once teachers are trained, technology can be used to make teaching more effective. With the correct tools, teachers can create reusable lesson plans, interactive presentations, handouts, tests, and notices; keep track of student information, scores, homework, or class participation; and train the students on how to use technology as well. To learn more click here.
Step 3
Share It! - Then technology can be integrated in the classroom to help students, teachers, and parents collaborate, simplify processes, and gain access to information that previously was unattainable, mirroring the way technology is used in society today. To learn more click here.
Why is it Beneficial to Integrate Technology in the Classroom? Computers and related technologies can have a deep impact on how students learn, thus affecting how teachers instruct. Not all students are created the same. Some are visual learners, some are auditory, and still others absorb the most from hands-on activities. Some enjoy working alone, while others prefer group work. Using a variety of tools, such as those that technology provides, helps reach, engage, and motivate students with diverse styles of learning.
Technology can also improve a school or an entire school district's ability to manage, track, report, and analyze daily operations, budgets, and student information - saving time and money!
To successfully incorporate computers and the Internet into the learning environment, InfoSource encourages school districts to incorporate the Learn It! Build It! Share It! three-step product solutions suite into their technology plans and long-term goals.
Click on the links below to learn more about InfoSource Education Solutions, or contact an account manager to receive a full demonstration of any of our products.
