1-2 Blog: Hats of the Technology Integration Specialist

Professional development is an essential part of education in today's society, especially with technology. Researchers are finding and creating new and improved programs, methods, pedagogy and much more every year. What I learned in my undergraduate program 2 years ago has already been updated to a completely different strategy of teaching that is seen today. Professional development allows for all educators to review and refresh on the most current information that is out there and how it could apply to their classroom or content. "Transforming schools into exciting and motivating arenas for student learning does not happen overnight,"(Meltzer, 2012) but a step in the right direction is by learning, and that happens through professional development. 

Pedagogy and technology integration can work together to make a successful classroom. The way in which the teacher is able to teach in his or her classroom while using technology can enhance the learning experience, but can also complicate it for students. Depending on how familiar and comfortable the educator is can have a big impact on the effect technology has in the classroom. I have seen through many observations that teachers will use technology just because they have it, and that should not be the case. Teachers need to differentiate instruction so that students are learning the objective in multiple ways. By differentiating with technology students will have “digital age literacy, inventive thinking, effective communications, and high productivity,” (Smith & Throne, 2007). Those are all great outcomes, but how can we expect our teachers to do this without any training.

A huge piece of technology today is communication with colleagues, parents, administration and students. The technology integrator plays an important role in this essential practice. Offering professional development, especially to new teachers, to show how the grading system and what the parent sees are so important. Also showing the students how they can access their own grades, can demonstrate their responsibility and independence. Technology allows for “parents to stay informed and participate in their child’s education,” (Edutopia, 2010).

In addition, there can be many limitations which can also effect a teachers use, such as "developing learning objectives, selecting methods of instruction, feedback, and evaluation and assessment strategies including follow-up activities," (Okojie, Olinzock, & Okojie-Boulder, 2014). Although there are difficulties and limitations students and tecahers are still eager to involve technology to improve and update their practice. “In order to meet modern expectations, teachers need to improve and adapt their skills and knowledge. This can only be done through sustainable and effective professional development," (Meltzer, 2012).  

Works cited:

Edutopia. (2010). Technollogy provides parents a window on the classroom by linkin home to school. Retrieved 

from http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-home-school-parent-connection-video

Meltzer, S. (2012). Step-by-Step Professional Development in Technology. New York:

Eye on Education.

Okojie, M., Olinzock, A., & Okojie-Boulder, T. (2014). The Pedagogy of Technology

Integration. Retrieved from 

http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JOTS/v32/v32n2/okojie.html

Smith, G. & Throne, S. (2007). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K–5

Classrooms. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/DIFFK5-excerpt.pdf