What is Technology Integration?

Have you ever walked into a teacher's classroom and it takes a few minutes to actually see the teacher? Instead you notice students in small groups, working with partners, or even absorbed in an independent activity, you hear a quiet hum of purposeful conversation, and see evidence of student work published everywhere. . Upon closer observation, you notice there are various tools in the students' hands or at their fingertips. You might see old fashioned manipulatives, laptops, desktops, an odd assortment of "junk," Interactive White Boards, SMART table, books, flip cameras, pencils, paper, and/or an iPod or iPad.  Finally you notice the teacher working with a couple of students over in the corner. If so, then you know what I mean when I say that the teacher is a facilitator and the technology is invisible and is only a tool used to help learning take place.

Ever wonder how to get your classroom to this place? A lot of it depends on the technology comfort level of the teacher, the expectations of the administrator and an understanding of what technology integration means. I was reading an excerpt from an ISTE publication that really nailed the term integration for me.

To clarify what the term integration means, one must first understand what it does
NOT mean. Integration is NOT the use of managed instructional software, where a
computer delivers content and tracks students’ progress. Integration is NOT having
students go to a computer lab to learn technical skills while the classroom teacher
stays behind to plan or grade papers. Integration is NOT using the Internet to access
games sponsored by toy manufacturers or popular television shows. Integration is
NOT using specialty software for drill and practice day after day. Integration does
NOT replace a teacher with a computer.

Integration is when classroom teachers use technology to introduce, reinforce,
extend, enrich, assess, and remediate student mastery of curricular targets.
Integration is an instructional choice that generally includes collaboration and deliberate
planning—and always requires a classroom teacher’s participation. Taken from It's Elementary: Technology Integration in the Primary Grades by Boni Hamilton. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that technology is not the focus, but the content or curriculum is always the focus. To truly get comfortable and proficient at integrating technology, instruction needs to move away from the shiny tool and its bells and whistles, but instead focus on using the tool to allow students to learn content.

How are you integrating technology in your classroom?

Why Should I Apply for Pinnacle?

The Pinnacle applications are available! You will find them in the GCS Portal.

For those readers outside of our school district, we have a program called Pinnacle Leader's Network that provides a collaborative learning network. The goal is to enhance technology integration, focus on learner-centered classrooms, and equip technology leaders in our schools.

Many of our teachers have lots of various technologies already at their fingertips, so they always ask, why should I apply for Pinnacle? What is the benefit?

Outside of " technology stuff" (don't ask me, I don't know what this year's group will be getting), Pinnacle helps you begin to build your own Professional Learning Network, energizes you with new ideas, and helps you hon your craft. It is a great way to connect with others that are passionate about teaching. Pinnacle isn't about the stuff, it is about stretching yourself as an educator.

Are you up to the challenge? Applications are due March 2.

Valentine's Day Ideas

Confession time: I spend lots of time on Pinterest and would spend more if I had it! Have you checked out Pinterest yet? If so, I bet you are hooked as well.

First of all, in case you haven't heard of it yet, Pinterest is a visual bulletin board on the web in which you pin items you find on the internet, hence creating boards. You can view the boards of others, share boards you create with collaborators, and follow other people and their boards. For more information on Pinterest, check out their site or head on over to Noggle Notes and view her post.

What does Pinterest have to do with Valentine's Day? Interesting you should ask. How about a quick, visual board of neat activities and lessons plans? The folks at Primary Junction have assembled this board with craftvities, lesson plans, center ideas, and more. Check out their Valentine pins here. Also, take a look at their other boards for lots of ideas.