Why should we, as educators, integrate technology into the curriculum?

One of the main reasons that technology should be integrated into the classroom is that students are becoming more and more comfortable using technology. Students frequently use cell phones, ipods, the Internet and various other devices on a daily basis. I think it is useful to tap into something they feel comfortable with as well as make education fun.
I believe the increase use of technology in the classroom allows students to take ownership of their own education and view teachers more as a facilitators.
There are many types of learners such as visual, auditory and tactile. Computers just add another dimension to catching the interest of the student and therefore increasing knowledge. I tend to forget that computers are not the only source for technology in the classroom. There are others such as interactive whiteboards and powerpoint presentations.
Just by introducing the internet into your classroom you are opening up the world to the student. They have access to almost everything. The key is to guide that information in the right direction.
Working in a vocational school I see the need for almost every trade using technology as an adjunct to traditional teaching methods from healthcare to automotive to computer animated drafting for some of our autistic students. Some of our special needs students really get “hooked in “ by the computer and at times it is the most effective way for them to learn. Generally, the more a student experiences active learning the more they will remember. I think preparing the students for the advancement of technology in the future prepares them for more “real world” situations.
Lastly, I do believe that the educator must feel comfortable with using technology to be more effective for the students. Just like the man in the Edutopia video I to have technophobia. I am hoping this class will help me get over that fear and integrate more technology in my life and in my classroom.


-Karen Phillips