Journal 2: Grounded Tech Integration

Harris, J., & Hofer, M. (2009). Grounded Tech Integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2). Retrieved on September 21, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID-24179&DirectListComboInd=D

In Judy Harris and Mark Hofer’s article they discuss more effective ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. They believe that it is necessary for teachers to become knowledgeable about technology. Some of the problems teachers faced when incorporating technology was that it was becoming a lesson on how to use technology rather than using technology as an aid in the learning process. They explain that “there are five basic steps to planning a learning event, regardless of the planning model used.” those steps are:

1. Choose learning goals, schools are given different standards whether it be by the school itself or even the state. So they are advised to come up with a goal that best suits their school and classroom.
2. Make pedagogical decisions, these decisions can be made through the Eight Corresponding Continua.
3. Select activity types to combine, They can now determine the most appropriate ways these lessons can be taught to their classes.
4. Select assessment strategies, decide on these assessments to help target the goal for the students.
5.Select tools/resources, after the goals and assessments are set teachers can decide on which resources will benefit the students the most.

If teachers focus on this five step plan when conducting their classroom they will be able to incorporate technology into the lessons without having it over power what they are trying to accomplish. In the end they state “Learners First, Technologies Last” this slogan can allow teachers to focus on the lessons and goals they have for their classrooms and then use technology to help them accomplish these plans.

What is the first step to planning the class model?

The first step is creating a learning goal. I think this is a very important step in the classroom because it gives the teacher a focus when creating the lesson plan. The teacher can also find the best ways to achieve this goal for all of his or her students. Once this goal is created the teacher can also find ways of using technology to help students with their academic success.

Using technology in the classroom is very important, but why should we create our lesson plans off of our classroom goals rather than creating our lessons around the use of technology?

Using technology is very beneficial to both students and the teachers. However, as this article states when lessons are created around the use of technology, the focus is taken off of the goal and directed more to the technology process. This article is a great way to see that the classroom can have both technology and great lessons but there is a strategic way to find a good balance with both.