Philosophy of Technology Integration
We are all
asked "What is your philosophy on _____________?"
Sometimes the word in the blank makes this question easier than other
times. When I was asked what my philosophy was for technology of
integration, I had no idea. But after much thought and about three
and half months in this class, I still ask myself about the integration of
technology and how it will fit into my classroom.
I guess I see my class and my students stuck on the wrong side on the digital divide. Although most of my students have computers at home this semester, that has not always been the case. And although they may have computers at home, I do not have one computer in my classroom and our school has no computer lab for me to take them to do different activities on computers. I would love to have them integrate what they learn in their vocational classrooms to my classroom, but at this time we do not have the facilities or the money for such a program. Yes, there are grants I can apply for, but what happens when these same students go to history and the history teacher does not have a computer in her classroom. Our students are still being left behind. If I taught in a wealthy school district, who knows each student may have their own computer, but until then I will need to try and foster the integration in small baby steps.
The best learning environment for integrating technology is a classroom where the teacher does not have to be the center of attention all the time. Teachers need to step back and listen to their students. Often times we are stuck in a grove of only listening to the adults and are focused on meeting the state's objectives that often time we teachers do not take the time to listen to the most important opinions, our students. That is not to say that students control or run the classroom, but input on activities especially when involving technology. I thought that I was pretty aware of different programs involving the computer as well as different ways to navigate the Internet; my students have taught me more about the technology out there because I needed them to teach me just like they need me to help them learn how to analyze great pieces of literature.
The benefits of using technology are numberless. Students and teachers can learn more by investigating a world beyond the four walls of the classroom, beyond the four walls of the school, beyond the city lines, state lines, and country lines. Technology gives teachers a tool to help students investigate more and become open to new experiences and tolerances. As a teacher, I can ask my students to go and find original documents on slave narratives. This assignment would be impossible if we did not have the resources of the internet. Students can go to major university and government sites to find out this information. Technology also allows students to discover different mediums of presenting information to the class. My students recently completed a project on American authors. Some students went on the internet and printed pictures of their authors and other students created power point presentations. Technology helps students who don't normally succeed, succeed. I have a student who has a form of autism. He has a problem with comprehension when he is forced to strictly read the assignments in the book. We have found books on tape which is a technology that many students have not had access to until recently. This child now has a better chance of succeeding because of this form of technology.
Along with the benefits of technology there are always going to be some set backs. For instance, our school seems to have a major problem keeping its server going. This problem will only get worse the more computers we have in the classrooms. Another drawback is the teachers not knowing all the capabilities of all the programs that are loaded on the computer. Along with lack of teacher knowledge, we also have some students who will know everything and other students who will not know how to turn the computer on. Other drawbacks include the cutting of funds to support the technology and teachers not wanting to change their old comfortable ways.
Technology has the potential to help all students succeed because there is so much out there for teachers to tap into to help all students. We still have problems with the digital divide and integration of technology. Technology is a key that needs to find the right lock before it can open the door to opportunities for all.