Essay on Incorporating Technology in Teaching and Learning in the Traditional Educational Settings

Technology touches on every aspect of life and has transformed how things are done in all facets. However, many schools are experiencing difficulties when it comes to integrating technology in the traditional teaching and learning educational settings. Many educational reformers agree that incorporating technology can play a crucial role in helping students acquire vital content knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, use digital informational sources, and participate in learning communities. However, they still acknowledge that integrating technology is a challenge and more time is required to facilitate this crucial aspect the traditional learning settings.

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Integrating technology in traditional educational settings

Integrating technology into the classroom is a complicated process that requires the active engagement of all stakeholders. Integrating technology in the classroom does not mean teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a computer class. However, it means incorporating technology in every aspect of the curriculum. For technology integration to be successful, it should be able to support important components of learning. They include active engagement, group participation, frequent interactions and feedbacks, and connection with professionals in the real world (Chen & McPheeters, 2012). For integration to be successful, technology use should be consistent and support curriculum goals. Various tools can be used to make integration a success, but the most vital aspect of the whole process is the careful consideration of course content and the ability of different technology tools. Additionally, successful integration means that every student can access technology tools and the instructors fully acknowledge his or her role in the learning and teaching process.

The role of technology in the traditional educational settings

Technology in the classroom plays a significant role in enhancing the acquisition of knowledge and skills translating to better student outcomes. Although scholars argue that the availability of technology in a classroom does not guarantee better results, it has been proven that when used in an appropriate manner, technology it can help improve performance on achievement tests (Dahlstrom, 2015). Using technology for purposes such as research, writing, data analysis, and publication can ensure that students acquire necessary skills improving tests scores. Moreover, use of technology in the classroom setting can improve understanding of complex concepts, develop problem-solving skills, enable students to make connections between processes, ideas, and learning strategies, and development of communication and data management skills. Most of these skills are very crucial in employment today.

Secondly, use of technology in the educational settings is necessary for students to acquire competencies that are crucial to functioning in the society and workforce in the 21st century. Some of these skills include learning and innovation skills, life and career skills, and information and technology skills. Teachers should strive to incorporate these skills into classroom content to prepare students for better functioning in society. Teachers can encourage students to use technology to communicate and work collaboratively, demonstrate creative thinking by developing innovative concepts, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make better judgment and informed choices (Polly, Mims Persichitte, 2012). Additionally, teachers can introduce appropriate technology to students to enable them to organize information and conduct experiments just as professionals do in the course of their work.

Additionally, incorporating technology in learning and teaching plays a significant role in advocating for classroom reforms. Although some past reforms driven by technology have failed, it is still an important factor in classroom reforms. Technology in intrinsically motivating to many students making it an ideal tool for classroom changes. Considering the fact that many students spend a lot of time-consuming media and technology content, technology can be used to support student-centered learning activities which translate to classroom reforms.

Recommendations for successful technology incorporation in the traditional educational settings

Advocating for the integration of technology in the classroom is ineffective if it does not result in better learning outcomes. To achieve these various considerations should be taken.

It is necessary to evaluate the levels of support and institution offers the faculty members when it comes to implementing technologies of their choice. Faculty members should not be limited to the kind of technology they can introduce in the classroom. Rather, they should be allowed to incorporate their ideas in the learning process.

The faculty members should be provided with resources necessary to enhance their knowledge of the available and emerging technologies. Institutions should ensure that faculty members can access instructional designers and technologists to educate them on technologies available for classroom use (Bitner & Bitner, 2002). While doing this, the institutions should ensure that faculty teaching can provide pedagogical and technological support to enhance the learning process.

Additionally, it is important to show institution management that integrating technology into learning and teaching contributes to better students outcome. To achieve this, it is important to conduct research that ties technology to improved students results as a way of illustrating to the management the benefit of technology (Hew & Brush, 2007). Also, communication is significant in encouraging the management to try incorporating technology in learning and teaching. Communicating messages about the potential of technology to improve students outcome can motivate the management to try to implement it.

Moreover, it is important to compare whether an institution is on the right path concerning incorporating technology in teaching and learning. To achieve this, an institution can participate in establishment surveys to compare the outcomes of integrating technology with other schools or institutions that have attained maturity in the area.

References

Bitner, N., & Bitner, J. (2002). Integrating technology into the classroom: Eight keys to success. Journal of technology and teacher education, 10(1), 95-100.

Chen, I., & McPheeters, D. (2012). Cases on educational technology integration in urban schools. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.

Dahlstrom, E. (2015). Educational Technology and Faculty Development in Higher Education. EDUCAUSE.

Hew, K. F., & Brush, T. (2007). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55(3), 223-252.

Polly, D., Mims, C., & Persichitte, K. A. (2012). Developing technology-rich teacher education programs: Key issues. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.