Reading+One+-+A

 Summary of Teacher pedagogical beliefs: The final frontier in our quest for technology integration? **By Peggy Ertmer. **  Tuesday 3.30 workshop - Amii, Rachel, MIckey O, Kim, Brooke, Ben, Melissa and Irene Philips (GDE Online group)   What is technology integration? Technology integration in the teaching and learning environment includes the use of technology as a tool to perform tasks that were traditionally performed in a pen and paper environment.This use of technology as a productivity tool for staff provides a basis for familarisation of technology in a familar environment to become more comfortable for application in genuine teaching and learning application. These teaching and learning applications will include and are not limited to: - Smartboards - web2 technology (eg: online games) - interactive learning environments - individual computer - discrete skill development -Matt GDE

There are many different softwares that educators can use in order to engage students in activities that re suitable for their learning styles and abilities. Examples of these softwares are explained as follows; hot potato is a great learning tool for teachers and students alike. it allows the user to create online activities such as crosswords, word matches, cloze activities, quizs and word mixs. The main aim of intergrating technology into the classroom is to engage students in meaningful learning which will make learning more effective and relevant to the students. Technology is no longer simply a reward it is now an important aspect of the classroom that enables learning across all KLA area's.
 * Discuss how technology integration can be improved in the classroom? **
 * Hot Potato Quiz**- []
 * Webquests**- these provide students with opportunity to work collaboratively at their own pace giving the teacher more opportunity to evaluate effectiveness of teaching and students to evaluate their own learning. Webquests are effective because they allow students to use the information rather than looking for it, they encourage critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills.- Monica GDE
 * Notebook Software**- allows the teacher to develop interactive lessons that can be implemented onto a Smartboard, that then allows students to interact with the learning material.

It is really important that Teacher's are supported in the process of tech integration. The older teachers at the school i am currently working generally pick up new tech easily but need to build confidence in correct use eg staff sessions with SmartBoards etc. Most staff are willing to adapt to what best serves the students but are also wary of spending time on tech that may not be relevant or isnt effective in the classroom. Thoughts? - Tim GDE

It has been stated that ‘technology is now considered by most educators and parents to be an integral part of providing a high-quality education’ but then why is it that teachers are using technology for more low-level tasks and still having teacher-focused lessons? Not only do teachers need support in the process of technology integration but we need to also be weary of existing pedagogical belief systems in the school, which greatly influences the use of ICT in education today. Hot Potato Quiz, Webquests, Notebook Software, Wiki's, Intranets all can be used to engage the student in the lesson if implemented effectively. - Angela GDE

Irene Philips - 2/6/09