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 **__Teacher pedagogical beliefs: The final frontier in our quest for technology integration? By Peggy Ertmer.__**

Technology intergration consists of implementing the use of technology in learning process of the students. It is a valuable and well functioning instructional tool in the learning environment. It is a constructivist approach to teaching and active learning for e.g/ working in collobrative groups, arrive at deeper thought processes, enables interactive discussion and express newly formed knoweldge/concepts in a variety of mediums. This learning is not isolated, rather it is made relevant--> contextualising learning through the use of skills and effective software.
 * What is technology integration? **

**Discuss how technology intergration can be improved in the classroom?** Technology intergration can be improved by teaches adopting a contemporary approach to ICT learning. This can be done by: - Using electronic models- Vision Quest CDROM - encouraging social networks - endorsing collobrative engagement with colleagues/peers - promoting small communities of practice - providing opportunities to observe classroom practice with technology - maintaining ongoing technology support



Tom, Jessica S, Roseanne and Milena.

Hi Guys, Great points so far I think Tom, Jessica D, Roseanne and Milena have really given a good definition of what technology integration is. This as Ertmer highlighted in his article is something that teachers have no challenging doing. I have had two extreme experiences of technology integration into the classroom environment; the first was a traditional classroom environment with four computers, which although they were turned on were really used. The second classroom had three computers that were always on and were always in use across a variety of curriculum areas. But what I believed made the difference to this integration was a smartboard, which the second classroom had. By having a smartboard the teacher could show videos, students could play games and it was I believe an easy way to make technology an integrated part of the lesson. This leads me to answering the second question, great ideas so far guys with encourage social networks, and maintain ongoing technology support, which I guess fits in with Ertmer solution of regular staff discussion and training. I believe a great way to make technology integrated into the classroom environment could be by creating classroom that have more technology. By having more computers available for students to use and smartboards in majority of classrooms, students will have aces to technology and teachers I believe will be able to integrate in across the classroom. Fiona 10/5/09

**Hey guys, Sorry i know the image is a little blury, however i felt it covered most of what was said above. How easy would it be to implement technology within a schooling system if all of the above was available for use??!! My experience with implementing technology within the classroom has been limited. I have had access to the computers and the programs on them but never experienced a smartborad. I really think that technology intergration needs to be a school focus!!!! Rebecca Sargent 15/5/2009**

media type="custom" key="3830135" - media posted by Natalie Barbara This is an educational clip based on the digital immigrants vs digital natives debate. It relates to the Peggy Ertmer article as it focuses on the implementation of high technology in classrooms and the pedagogical mind-shift from traditional learning to constructivism.

** __Thoughts of Catherine Ashton (20th May 2009__ ****__)__** Great points raised by everyone so far and cutoes to our group for using such a variety of ways to demonstrate our understanding of the article. Sticking with that theme, please click on the computer below to view a short video on hand held technologies used in the classroom. In both my practicum experiences I was fortunate enough to use computers within the classroom. However, as this short video acknowledges that with technology advancing so rapidly soon computers may be a thing of the past. This video introduces a new technology that can be used in the classroom and identifies how it is effective for students learning.

Peggy Ertmer's article is focused very heavily on teacher beliefs. It is my belief that it should no longer be a question of should technologies be used in the classroom but rather a question of how new technologies should be used in the classroom? Any way, That's all folks

My exposure to technology in schools has been limited. I was very surprised by the lack of computer-based work in my two prac schools. They were teaching the same way I was taught in primary school! Therefore, technology integration is increasingly important to today's classrooms. I believe that teachers need to embrace ICT instead of fighting against it. Collaberative engagement among peers is important. Teachers can teach other teachers new skills and explain how they used technology successfully in their lessons. Any teacher can get students to work on the computers, but the technology needs to be aimed at increasing students' learning. (Matthew Macnamara 22/05/09)


 * Hi Guys, **

There has been a lot of great discussion in regards to the use of ICT and the integration of it within the classroom environment. During my first and second practicum I had limited use of technology, however during my third practicum I was lucky enough to have the only classroom in the school with a Smartboard. The classroom teacher was very encouraging for me to feel comfortable using it. My lesson went horrible, as I was not quite used to the functions of it. Yet during the time, at the school I was able to learn alongside the students with the Smartboard in regards to the functions and how it can be a useful teaching tool. My teacher gave me the freedom to "play around" with the Smartboard during the lessons I wasn't teaching which enabled me the chance to grow in confidence and to learn the different functions it has to offer.

I feel ICT should be integrated within the classroom, as it is apart of society today and the students need to learn how important it is to know how to use most of the features. As well as be able to feel confident within themselves to learn beyond the classroom with the teacher. Teachers of course need to be trained effectively with the knowledge of how to use different technological teaching methods. So they are able to teach the students confidently and clearly. Students need to be able to engage individually and in groups to complete different tasks with the aid of technology. Students need to be able to use it as a tool for their learning within the classroom and for the future. Belinda Salvia (26/05/09)

Hey, I agree with belinda, there has been a lot of great discussion. I personally think ICT is a great resource to have in the classroom and should be implmenented where possible. I was many and over my last two pracs I havent had an opportunity to deal with technology other than computers which were never used. Looking back now i find this quite sad. There is so much available that can assist students in their learning. At the moment I am casual teaching at a school which has a smartboard in every classroom which has been a great experience. At first it was quite daunting as I had no idea where to even start but the kids were great and they knew more than me. Its amazing the things you can do on there, the kids love it due to it being so engaing and allows them to be interactive. The use of technology give teachers the ability to cater for a number of learning styles, inlcuding visual and auditory. There are many ways in which this can assist in student learning and create a fun and challenging learning enviornment for everyone to learn.

[] (sorry I was unable to make it a hyperlink)//**
 * //Top Ten Tips: Using Technology in the Classroom (You Tube Clip)

(Loredana Pinna, 04/06/09) 

[] (Jae-won Moon, 05/06/09 )
 * Hey guys, **
 * I too believe with Loredana and Belinda with the whole ICT being integrated into our schools and teaching. I’ve only been on two 10 week pracs and both schools were quite ‘old fashioned’. The first school was my own primary school and nothing had changed since I left…and I literally mean nothing had changed so there was a HUGE lack of ICT in that school. Not all the classrooms had computers and they still had overhead projectors. The second school did not use ICT in their lessons either. It was very book based. **
 * I don’t think that this is fair on these students. I mean, they live in a society where ICT is constantly surrounding them, and yet, they do not have much experience or get to work with it where they need it the most…at schools. **
 * ICT to some may seem like a waste of time or a new thing to learn, but I believe that with the right training, resources and appropriate lessons, students will be able to learn effectively in the classroom not just individually, but also working with other students whilst having their individual needs catered for. **
 * Here is a site I found that assists teachers with technology and how to use it. I definitely will be visiting this site when learning how to use technology. **