tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22360724.post114231454475904999..comments2023-11-03T05:09:28.419-05:00Comments on Technopaideia: Should "technology integration" be an important goal in schools?Craig A. Cunninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18160288758906798678noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22360724.post-21525609198631891712007-10-31T21:16:00.000-05:002007-10-31T21:16:00.000-05:00I'm one of 55 instructional technology integrators...I'm one of 55 instructional technology integrators in a surburban county Virginia school system serving approximately 60,000 students. Our job description emphasizes -- and our placement in schools is based upon -- our prior experience and mastery of effective teaching methods. We do not believe that technology is "the answer." We believe that it is simply one tool among many that, if used correctly, can engage and enlighten students so that the content becomes more relevant for them and the process of interacting with information becomes active rather than passive. Our focus is on the content, concepts, and the learning process itself -- not on hardware or software in and of itself. Your comments are absolutely correct. Technology is not a magic wand that can disguise or minimize ineffective teaching. Technology must be used thoughtfully and in combination with other teaching strategies in order for it to become a successful classroom tool. One of my favorite quotations about technology says, "Putting a computer in front of a child and expecting it to teach him is like putting a book under his pillow, only more expensive." (Author Unknown) <BR/>--Sharon Elin, NBCT, Chesterfield Co., VirginiaSharon Elinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05527664316543429273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22360724.post-26612487419408415142007-10-12T10:07:00.000-05:002007-10-12T10:07:00.000-05:00I completely agree with you. My job is one of tryi...I completely agree with you. My job is one of trying to get teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms. My stuggle is how to help teachers do it while increasing student learning. The computer is not just a machine to sit the students at so that you can grade your papers. That's the same as using a worksheet or a coloring page. Student learning increases with higher order questioning and making them justify their thinking, that requires communication.Ms. Shrevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14967144016356771925noreply@blogger.com