Lesson 4: Basic Concepts on Integrating Technology in Instruction

            It has been a long time issue as to how to integrate technology in the teaching-learning
process. The mere use of computer does not mean that technology is already integrated in the
instruction. A need to provide learning on how educational technology can be applied and
integrated in the teaching-learning process is very crucial. According to Pisapia (1994) in her
definition of integrating technology with teaching is that there is integration if the learning
technologies are use to introduce, reinforce, supplement, and extend skills.
 The difference between the classrooms of exemplary users of technology and technology users
is the way their classes are conducted. In exemplary classrooms, student’s use of computers is
woven integrally into the patterns of teaching. In other words, there is NO INTEGRATIVE
PROCESS if a teacher would make his/her students play computer games as rest periods during
classes, neither that there is integration if the teacher merely teaches students the computer skills.
Here are external manifestations of technology integration into instruction:
 There’s a change in the way classes are traditionally conducted.
The quality of instruction is improved to a higher level in such a way that could not have been
achieved without educational technology.
There is planning by the teacher on the process of determining how wand when technology fits
into the teaching-learning process.
The teacher sets instructional strategies to address specific instructional issues/problems.
The use of technology provides the opening of opportunities to respond to these instructional
issues/problems.
In sum, technology occupies a position (is a simple or complex way) in the instructional process.
There is actually nothing to be worry about for teachers who are still novices in technology
integration because learning how would really take time. Technology integration into instruction
is developmental and takes a gradual road to mastery and expertise. In time, a teacher can
advance from basic integration to more complicated integrations.

 
BASIC CONCEPTS OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION INSTRUCTION
 
Integrating technology with teaching means the use of learningtechnologies to introduce,
reinforce, supplement and extent skills.
External manifestations of technology integration into instruction. Here aresome:
·
There’s a change in the way classes are traditionally conducted.
 
· The quality of instruction is improved to a higher level in such a way thatcould have been
achieved without educational technology.
 
· There is planning by the teacher on the process of determining how andwhen technology fits
into the teaching-learning process.
 
· The teacher sets instructional strategies to address specific instructionalissues/problems.
 
· The use of technology provides the opening of opportunities to respond tothese instructional
issues/problems.
 
· In sum, technology occupies a position (is a simple or complex way) in theinstructional
process.
 
Helping teachers effectively integrate technology by:

Three (3) Types/Levels of Integration

 1.
 
Simple/Basic Integration:
There is no substantial change in theteaching-learning process from previous method. While
technologyhelps, it does not play a pivotal role.2.
 
Middle Level Integration:
There is a purposeful use of technology tosupport key learning areas.3.
 
High Level Integration:
Technology is the central instructional tool.

What Is Instructional Technology?

Instructional technology is the theory and practice of using technology for education.
Encompassing the design, development, use, management, and evaluation of technology in
education, instructional technology can take many forms. Anything from electronic whiteboards
to online courses or even virtual reality classrooms can be considered instructional technology.
While the applications and benefits of instructional technology vary widely, all instructional
technology shares one main purpose: to create engaging and effective learning experiences. And
many applications of instructional technology have proved effective at achieving this goal.
Experts widely agree that instructional technology provides many benefits to the education
process, including better access to information, more opportunities for collaboration, and better
capabilities for meeting diverse learners’ needs.
The Role of Technology in Modern Classrooms
Just a couple of decades ago, teachers used very little (if any) technology in the classroom.
Today, technology is a fundamental part of the education process. A recent study conducted by
MidAmerica Nazarene University reports that students complete less than 42% of their work,
both in and out of the classroom, using paper and pencil. In addition, the study found that 73% of
teachers said that their students use tablets or laptops every day.
The increasing prevalence of technology in the classroom reflects a broader cultural shift. As the
modern world becomes more digitized, tech literacy is becoming increasingly important.
Teachers who use technology to support learning in meaningful ways can help prepare students
for success in the digital era.
Uses of Instructional Technology
According to the U.S. Department of Education, schools can use educational technology to
support both teaching and learning by infusing the classroom with valuable digital tools,
expanding course offerings, increasing student engagement, and accelerating learning.
Instructional technology offers nearly endless applications, but experts have identified three key
areas where integrating technology can have a significant impact.
Collaborative Learning
Instructional technology provides unparalleled opportunities for collaborative learning. Advances
in technology have made sharing information easier than ever before. Today, educators have
access to digital tools that allow students to work collaboratively outside of the classroom,
discussing ideas or completing projects remotely and eliminating constraints such as standard
classroom hours or geographic location.
Instructional technology also provides opportunities for students to work collaboratively with
teachers, discussing ideas or asking questions outside of the physical classroom. For example,
teachers could hold digital office hours, making themselves available via instant messaging or
video chat to support students as they tackle the day’s homework.
Virtual Classrooms and Online Learning
Virtual classrooms can be a useful tool at every level of education. One common challenge of the
traditional classroom environment is that students learn at their own pace, so teachers need to
find a way to tailor their lesson plans to the average learner, rather than addressing each student’s
unique needs.
Online courses level the playing field and provide students with the time and resources to
develop the skills they need. For example, students could listen to a lecture for a second time if
they didn’t immediately grasp the subject matter or move ahead to the next one if they grasp a
particular subject quickly. On top of this, online learning provides access to a wider array of
topics, giving students opportunities to enrich their education by taking courses that their schools
might not offer.
Real-Time Feedback
Instructional technology provides better capabilities for gathering or providing feedback
compared with more traditional methods. Teachers can use a variety of digital tools to gauge
where their students are in a particular lesson. For example, teachers might conduct an online
survey of students’ current understanding of a topic to gain insight into where they should focus
the next lesson. Or they might opt for using digital education software so they can provide
immediate feedback to students on lessons and homework, which could help keep students on
track with learning objectives. Some schools have even been piloting virtual reality classrooms,
where teachers can rehearse lessons or work through professional challenges in an artificial
environment, helping them hone their abilities without negatively impacting real students.
Learn More About Instructional Design
Technology in the classroom can have impressive benefits—but only if educators understand
how to harness these new capabilities in meaningful ways. LSU Online’s Master of Arts in
Education with a specialization in Educational Technology is designed specifically with this goal
in mind. The program’s cutting-edge approach to technology integration, digital transformation,
and online training helps teachers transform their expertise into innovative educational
leadership.

What is integration of Technology in education?

Integration of technology in education simply refers to the use of technology to enhance the
student learning experience. Utilizing different types of technology in the classroom, including a
virtual classroom, creates learners who are actively engaged with learning objectives.
Lesson 4

Basic Concepts on integrating Technology in Instruction

            It has been a long time issue as to how to integrate technology in the teaching-learning
process. The mere use of computer does not mean that technology is already integrated in the
instruction. A need to provide learning on how educational technology can be applied and
integrated in the teaching-learning process is very crucial. According to Pisapia (1994) in her
definition of integrating technology with teaching is that there is integration if the learning
technologies are used to introduce, reinforce, supplement, and extend skills.
There is no INTEGRATIVE PROCESS if for example; the teacher makes students play
computer games to give them a rest period during classes.

DISCUSSION
1.      What are your ideas about students spending off school time playing computer games in
computer cafe/rooms?
Ø  As I know, Internet, games and social networking is the one that make the students go at the
computer cafes and because they are lots of computer cafes now, they can subscribe at the
internet and even near school they are computer cafes. I think the students are cutting their
classes during their class, and because of the high-technology that we encountered today, the
young one are already know how to deal or play with the computer. The computer cafes also
considered the students especially the elementary students to play at the computer shops while
the school hours are ongoing, and because all children are spending their time playing, even the
games at the computer they spending all they time. And because of it they will get failing grades
and eye problem because of the radiation.

2.      What do you say to the plan of the Department of Education to supply one computer unit to
each public school (average school population is 1,000 students) in the country?
Ø  As, I can say that it is not enough for the students most especially when their population are
very big. The tendency of this plan is that there are students who cannot use the computer and it
is very limited to fewer students only. Even though they will have a schedule for each student in
using the computer it is still not adequate to acquire enough knowledge needed for the students.
They can’t benefit well in this plan. It’s a sad thing that only 1 computer would be given to a
public school which has an average population of 1,000 in each school. We all know that
computer is important in teaching and learning process especially that most of the teachers
nowadays are giving an assignment which uses computer. And this computer is one of our source
of information both the teachers and the learners.
3.      What do you think is really the wisdom of introducing expensive technology in schools of
third world (peasant) country?
The wisdom of introducing expensive technology in schools of Third World peasant countries is
that students will acquire more knowledge through the use of this technology. And in introducing
the expensive technology in schools, the students will also gain new information about their
lessons. It will also make their learning 
faster and easier. But let's also consider the parents of these students, I can also say that in
introducing the expensive technology the financial problem will also arouse. If they can't buy
their daily needs now, how much more if it's the expensive technology? So, through this students
can benefit but there are some areas that will be affected. 
4.      While Educational Technology 2 is not about teaching computer skills, do you believe
adequate hands-on computer skills are necessary to put technology integration into practice?
Give reason for your answer.

 Yes, I do believe about it. Adequate hands-on computer skills are necessary because it can put
your knowledge into practice. If you don't practice your knowledge it will be useless. We must
know about 
the basic computer skills first to know better and it can easily understand when it goes to hand-
on.