Technology Integration

What does technology integration mean?  This is a good question and one that has a different answer based on how different school districts utilize this position.

In my district, my role is focused on working with teachers to guide them with utilizing 21st century tools to accomplish a specific learning goal.  It's very important that technology isn't just used for the sake of using it.  The technology tool should support the learning goal.  If there isn't a clear learning goal, then the technology could be falling short of its intended purpose.  The focus should always be on the task or content standard and not the technology tool.

The ISTE Student Standards document guides the suggestions that I bring to the table when I co-plan a lesson with a teacher.  As the teacher considers the learning goal for the unit based on the content area, I ask the teacher to consider ways that the lesson could be enhanced so that students are able to express themselves creativity; or demonstrate innovation; or use technology to communicate a message; or utilize 21st century research skills when exploring a topic on the Internet.

While I don't have direct access to students or my own classroom, I spend a fair amount of time co-teaching with a teacher who wants to bring technology into a lesson but doesn't want to tackle it alone.

Another component of technology integration is to provide professional development to teachers.  It's important to stay current with technology trends and consider which tools are best for an organization.  No one can really implement every new technology that comes along.  A technology integrator is in a unique position to be the person who dabbles in new technologies to see if they would work for a school.