Integrating Technology into the Classroom

“At a time when everything around us is becoming progressively more digital, integrating technology in to the classroom is crucial. While content is defined by curriculum, at CIS students are given the opportunity to showcase their learning in more engaging ways through the integration of technology.”

The role of education technology is of great importance today, more than ever, because the truth is technology is everywhere. For our students to succeed after graduation and in the business world, they must know how to use technology for their empowerment.

Technology has become part of the educational process, but is rarely integrated into a student’s learning experience. Integrating technology into a classroom means more than simply teaching basic computer skills and software programs. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that will enhance the learning process for students.

As educators, our aim should be to ensure that technology integration happens in such a way that students don’t even realize they are using a technology tool – for them, it must become second nature. Seamless tech integration is when students don’t just use technology everyday but have access to a variety of tools that help them achieve the task at hand while providing them with the opportunity to build a deeper understanding of concepts and content.

Technology also changes the way teachers teach. By incorporating technology into classroom, teachers are now equipped to expand beyond linear, text-based learning and to engage students who prefer to learn in other ways. The role of technology has evolved from a ‘computer class’ into an adaptable learning tool that has changed the way concepts, projects and assessments are understood and executed.

Educational technology now offers educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess students understanding in more than one way. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student because when a teacher effectively integrates technology into subject matters, they take on the role of an advisor and mentor. Technology in the classrooms also encourages students to collaborate with their own classmates through various tech related applications, making learning meaningful and fun.

Today, students learn best being interactive and technology allows them to do that. By keeping them interested in the task at hand, technology enables students to become better focused empowering them with the skills to understand how to learn best. Technology has become an important aspect of our daily lives making it imperative for students to learn more than just basic computing skills.