Technology Use vs.

Technology Integration

Defining the terms

Technology Use: Having technology in the classroom as an aid to teaching or learning.

Technology Integration: Using technology in order to benefit the students learning and make a meaningful learning experience

*Defined in terms of classroom use

Technology Use

An aid for instruction in the classroom

Means of showing a presentationThe use of a computer.Having technology available in the

classroom

Examples

Playing a movie (DVD or VCR) in the classroom.

Using a PowerPoint presentation.The internetElectronic gradingCalculators

Technology Use Pros and Cons

Pros Makes organization easy Allows for more lesson plan ideas Moves towards the digital age

Cons Can take away focus from the lesson itself Does not always work Can be expensive Not everyone has a good background in technology

Technology Integration

Bringing technology into the classroom in order to give the students a real life experience

Students having meaningful learning through technology

“Technology integration is the incorporation of technology resources and technology-based practices in the daily routines, work, and management of school.” – National Forum on Education Statistics (2005)

Examples

Setting up a classroom blog/message system Students making movies and taping

presentations Creating a wiki Podcasting Microsoft office tools Inspiration software

Technology Integration Pros and Cons

Pros Students are engaged They are part of a constructive learning process It is another type of learning

Cons Can take a lot of instruction time to explain Can be very expensive

Is there a difference?

YES! There is a definite difference between using technology and integrating it. When a teacher uses technology they may just be adding to their lesson. They may show a video or use slides to present an idea in an alternative way. While this is important the technology is not benefitting the students, it us purely aiding the lesson. When a teacher integrates technology into the lesson the students have a direct experience with the technology. The students are creating something through the means of technology. They are sharing information by using technology and coming together in the classroom. When integrated the technology is no longer an accessory to the lesson, but it is a part of the lesson, a key role.

Sources

Technology Use vs. Integration Guidelines (PDF) Computers as Mindtools (PDF) How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20th Century (PDF)

Meaningful Learning (PPT) 50 ways to integrate technology [by Anne Leftwich] (PPT)

Technology Integration: (Website Link)