Tech+integration

Technology Integration

Technology Integration
The video, Big Thinkers: Henry Jenkins on New Media and Implications for Learning and Teaching, [|**http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-henry-jenkins-media-video**], was very informative and interesting. Mr. Jenkins is a professor at the University of Southern California and has some excellent points on the importance of integrating technology into the educational system. He asserts that the most important thing teachers should do is not alienate students from technology. This idea was completely new to me and made me wonder if I would have that attitude in the classroom. On retrospect I believe I could have been guilty of this. I am very happy I watched this video, and I know that it really opened my eyes towards the use of new technology in the classroom. The use of technology is paramount in today’s world. If students do not know how to use technology, or are not comfortable using technology, then they will be at a definite disadvantage competing in the global economy. It is important to understand that not every student has the same accessibility to technology. Technology in the classroom can eliminate this disparity and help ensure all students have access to modern technologies and the skills to use these technologies. Technology can be used in the classroom by integrating information, data, and facts available on the World Wide Web into lessons plans demonstrating the vast amounts of information available on virtually any subject. Integrating this technology into lessons will not only show the use of the technology but also demonstrate the almost unlimited resources available to everyone. What is technology integration? Why is it important for educators today?  Technology integration is the term describing the concept that teachers apply technology (multi-media, computer software, electronics, and the Internet) to supporting their teaching and students’ learning  Technology is: Any application of knowledge and tools that help people to finish tasks effectively and efficiently. Today, technology refers to most all electronics such as computers, cellular phones and calculator’s etcetera … This is the age of technology. Today's kids (students) have been exposed to technology since they were born, including all kinds of electronics, computers, iPod, iPad and so forth. This is one of the reasons why it's important for both pre-service and in-service teachers to equip themselves with basic or even advanced technology skills so that they can use today's technology (tools) that students are familiar and comfortable with to help them learn and prepare for the future.