(From EDD 7914 Blog#2)
Effective technology integration requires the team of quality technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (McAnear, 2009). When we consider the conditions that might increase or decrease the likelihood that a new technology will be put into practise, we must consider the diffusion of information and influence on opinion and judgment (Rogers, 1976). Instructors need a framework for understanding technology that covers a variety of learning styles and compliments a multitude of teaching strategies (Smaldino, Lowther, Russell, & Mims, 2015).
Effective technology integration requires the team of quality technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (McAnear, 2009). When we consider the conditions that might increase or decrease the likelihood that a new technology will be put into practise, we must consider the diffusion of information and influence on opinion and judgment (Rogers, 1976). Instructors need a framework for understanding technology that covers a variety of learning styles and compliments a multitude of teaching strategies (Smaldino, Lowther, Russell, & Mims, 2015).
An individual’s understanding can be based upon media, interpersonal contacts, culture and socioeconomic backgrounds, and is therefore varied. It is from these networks and the roles of opinion leaders that innovation and technology is either adopted or withdrawn (Rogers, 1976). Perhaps a prime example of this is the use of Apple products in education. Since 2007, the product line and integration of Apple specific educational technology has become immersed in K-12 and higher education, and with popular support of the media and thought leaders, will continue to dominate. In this case, Apple acted as the innovator, those in education were early adopters which quickly spread to the majority, until the product line for competitors was quickly diminished. Only recently has there been actual competition to the market, and adoption on education is slow.
If technology is integrated such that it is integral to the support and extension of learning for all, students will use the technology as naturally as they use a pencil (Smaldino et. al., 2015). To achieve this end, instructors must ensure that the technology is understood within the scope of student environments such as socioeconomics and social environment. Technology will need to be communicated through certain channels over a period of time to be best understood and accepted (Rogers, 1976). Perhaps the best way to ensure that technology is being utilized effectively is through the use of the ASSURE model (Smaldino et. al., 2015). By analyzing the learners within the course room, identifying the objectives of the lesson, selecting the strategies and resources to meet those objectives, utilizing quality technology by which learners can participate, and then evaluating the outcomes, professors can ensure proper integration of technology (Smaldino et. al., 2015). What is certain is that technology will not replace a facilitator or encourager in the education process, and instructors much take great effort to ensure that technology compliments the outcome and the interpretation is not lost in the process.
References
McAnear, A. (2009). Effective Technology Integration. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(7), 5
Rogers, E.M. (1976). New Product Adoption and Diffusion. Journal of Consumer Research, 2 (March), 290 -301.
Smaldino, S. E., Lowther, D. L., Russell, J. D., & Mims, C. (2015). Instructional technology and media for learning (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
If technology is integrated such that it is integral to the support and extension of learning for all, students will use the technology as naturally as they use a pencil (Smaldino et. al., 2015). To achieve this end, instructors must ensure that the technology is understood within the scope of student environments such as socioeconomics and social environment. Technology will need to be communicated through certain channels over a period of time to be best understood and accepted (Rogers, 1976). Perhaps the best way to ensure that technology is being utilized effectively is through the use of the ASSURE model (Smaldino et. al., 2015). By analyzing the learners within the course room, identifying the objectives of the lesson, selecting the strategies and resources to meet those objectives, utilizing quality technology by which learners can participate, and then evaluating the outcomes, professors can ensure proper integration of technology (Smaldino et. al., 2015). What is certain is that technology will not replace a facilitator or encourager in the education process, and instructors much take great effort to ensure that technology compliments the outcome and the interpretation is not lost in the process.
References
McAnear, A. (2009). Effective Technology Integration. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(7), 5
Rogers, E.M. (1976). New Product Adoption and Diffusion. Journal of Consumer Research, 2 (March), 290 -301.
Smaldino, S. E., Lowther, D. L., Russell, J. D., & Mims, C. (2015). Instructional technology and media for learning (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.