Running Head: INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY

INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY

Integration of Technology
Olivia Martin
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 496 Field Experience ePortfolio, Spring 2015

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Introduction

The world today is full of technology and most children know how to use a smart device
before they are able to write their own names. Due to the prevalence of technology in our world,
it is essential for educators to develop ways to make it common-place in the classroom. The
biggest mistake a teacher can make is not using the tools and techniques that grab students
attention and provide a meaningful, fun, efficient avenue of learning. Technology is one of the
most powerful tools in the classroom today. It is for this reason that it is so important for
teachers to be able to know how to effectively utilize this resource in their lessons. To be clear,
technology enhanced lessons are not lessons that have a PowerPoint for students to follow along
with, it is a lesson that has students fully engaged in the subject matter using technology to
further their understanding of those concepts. Furthermore, technology helps students
understand the practical application of the information they are learning and ways they will see it
in their everyday lives.
Rationale for Selection of Artifacts
For this competency, I have chosen as my artifacts two items from the same lesson. I felt
it was important to demonstrate the plan and product for the idea of integrating technology into
the classroom. The first artifact is a lesson plan devised to close a unit in social studies. The
students had kept a notes packet of all of the information that we had covered about the ancient
civilization of Mali. For this project, they used their iPads and turned their notes into KeyNote
presentations. They then presented their projects in front of the entire class. This lesson plan
was completed over three days.

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The second artifact is a copy of one of the students presentations. This student finished
the required slides and still had time to work on his project, so he was allowed to enhance his
project with more details and even add animations to his work. This created an excellent
opportunity for the student to review all of information covered. I also found that this lesson lent
itself to differentiating according to students abilities. This students is quite advanced and was
able to go above and beyond the requirements for the project and even help a few of his
classmates different things they could add to their projects. Likewise, the lowest of my students
were able to meet the requirements for the project with no problem and be able to feel quite
proud of their accomplishments.
Reflection on Theory and Practice
My time at Regent University has prepared me to use technology in my future classroom.
Mainly in that I learned that technology does not replace the teacher. The technology does not
do my work for me, it enhances the instruction that I diligently plan. The tools we choose to
use in our classrooms to engage learners wont work without a strong understanding of best
instructional practices and classroom management (Elliott, 2011, p. 4). I must work to prepare
the foundation upon which I will use technology to build the walls of understanding for my
students. This, more than anything, is one of the most important things I have learned in regards
to technology in the classroom.
When considering using technology in instruction, it is important to remember to guard
for the safety of students. One of the main concerns with technology is the safety of students.
When in doubt, double check everything. Before having my students search for pictures for their
presentations I looked up specific key words that would ensure their safety while browsing for

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images. I reflect on the words of Solomon in Proverbs 4:23, Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life. (NLT) As a teacher, I am acting as a gatekeeper for the
wellbeing of my students and I consider that a great responsibility.

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References

Elliott, L. (2011). Teach like a techie: 20 Tools for reaching the digital generation. Peterborough:
Crystal Springs Books.