Implementing Technology in the Mathematics Classroom

Incorporating technology in the classroom is a leading trend among educators in the 21st century. Teacher use classroom websites, technology tools, and online web assessments to keep parents and students informed, improve instruction, and individualize learning. Using technology to support communication helps keep both students and parents informed on what is happening in the classroom and the students’ academic progress. Integrating technology in the classroom helps increase student engagement and participation. Students use technology tools to help reinforce instruction and teachers may use it as a form of remediation. Technology can also help with differentiating instruction with the use of online assessments. Incorporating technology in the classroom can increase students’ success in the classroom and beyond.

According to my findings from unit 1, use of technology in lessons must not be a goal unto itself: the purpose is not to teach children how to use computers; they can do this as they get older, just as they can learn to drive a car later in their lives (Wardle, 1999).Successful technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent, accessible and readily available for the task at hand and supporting the curricular goals, and helping the students to effectively reach their goals.

In the articles “What Is The Future Of Technology In Education?” by Matt Britland and “New Class(room) War: Teacher vs Technology” by Samuel G. Freedman, two different viewpoints are expressed toward technology integration education. The authors show the implications of technology on the attitudes of teachers and students. Britland and Freedman agree that technology and theoretical framework are two inseparable facets but propose different solutions to the actions that should be taken to result in pedagogical expertise.

Computers have first become widely adopted educational technology since the 1980’s in the schools across the United States. Consequently, technology has become part of teacher accreditation and is being integrated ubiquitously into the areas of faculty development, student academics, curriculum design, and resource allocation.

In “Technology in Today’s Classroom: Are You a Tech-Savvy Teacher?”, Stephanie Hicks successfully argues, using primarily logical evidence, that teachers should integrate technology into education. Hicks begins by stating, “In today’s classroom technology abounds and students are extremely tech savvy,” using this claim to justify the need for teachers to implement the use of technology (188). Her statement regarding students and their technological knowledge logically introduces the argument because of its easily observable nature. In addition, because students have a sense of familiarity and experience with computers, it follows that the use of such technology would suit their educational needs. Hicks begins her argument by countering the

The teachers in the video "An Introduction to Technology Integration" seemed really excited about the opportunity for technology integration in their classes. They went as far as saying that it could fundamentally transform a classroom and what you can do in it. One teacher suggested that if you are using the tools you have as well as you can then you are integrating technology. Our students today are creating using digital tools and we have become more like facilitators than a traditional teacher.

In the ITEC 7460 Professional Learning and Technology Innovation course, I completed an Individual Teacher Technology Assessment using Knight’s (2007), Partnership Approach. In this artifact, I was able to assess and coach a colleague in integrating instructional technology. Throughout our partnership, I was able to keep a coaching journal to record what I had learned, discuss the challenges that I faced, the coaching strategies that I used, and the impact of technology integration.

Technology is everywhere, it is involved in almost every part of our culture. It affects how we live, work, play, and most importantly learn. With technology being such a fundamental part of our lives and growing each day, it only makes sense that schools incorporate technology in the classrooms. Even though many people support the use of technology in schools, there are those that have concerns about the effectiveness of technology and whether or not it undermines education to solely prepare students for the workforce. Despite the concerns, technology is being integrated with classroom lessons daily, and proving how beneficial it is for student success.

With the integration of technology, students get direct, individualized instruction from the computer. This form of supplemental teaching allows them to engage with the information at times that are most convenient for them and helps them become more self-directed in the learning process. It also gives the teacher more time to accomplish classroom objectives, while freeing them up to help the students who might be struggling with certain lessons.

Education is one of the most important professions in the working world. Technology has done many things for us in today’s society especially for education and schools. Technology in the school system has impacted the students and teachers in many positive ways, including virtual field trips, testing tips, teacher resources, class web sites, and lesson plans. With computer use in our schools, we have access to many different sources and various types of learning.

Across the U.S., technology used in education has been increasing exponentially. Every learning institution ranging from elementary school to college have incorporated technology into their teachings. Online textbooks, quizzes, notes, and classes are all examples of how education has been utilizing technology. While technology has a place in education, not everything in education needs to involve technology.

The coursework I have completed through the Distance Educational Technology Masters Program at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), has immersed me in educational technology research supported by collegial discussions. Through the supervised field-based activities from the UAS program and my ongoing professional activities, I have developed a shared vision for the comprehensive integration of technology. Technology integration has been my priority focus academically and professionally. As I have developed a classroom environment conducive to the realization of my technology integration vision, I have shared my vision with families and educators in my school, district, and state.

One of the essential conditions for effective technology integration is adequate technical assistance for teachers.

The education world has been greatly influenced by rapidly changing technology and the increasing availability of information. Schools have advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to incorporating technology into the learning environment, however, many more advances need to be made. In all areas of the country, educators are trying to help students keep up with technology, but there are more changes that are essential for preparing the next generation for the future.

"Technology has a crucial role to play in our schools. Unfortunately, it has little to do with the integrated learning systems,