Cyborg Learning: Technology Integration in the Classroom

 There is no Escaping Technology...

...whether we like it or not, it's here to stay for good. Over the last two centuries, the number of technological advancements have skyrocketed exponentially; it seems like every day there is some new invention being advertised.

So why not bring that technology into the classroom?

Luckily, integrating what might seem like complicated and unrelated technology into the classroom is not as hard as you think, thanks to Technology Integration Models, which detail different methods for meaningfully incorporating aspects of technology into the learning environment. Each technology integration model specifies different levels of technology integration, like the SAMR model, whose incorporation of technology ranges from pure substitution to utilization for the creation of new things (SAMR article).

Although there are many integration models, the three main ones are SAMR, Triple E (not the mosquito one), and TPACK. All of these are great frameworks, and offer solid guidelines for technology incorporation, but my favorite has to be TPACK.

TPACK, like the other frameworks, puts its focus into finding different ways to bring technology into the classroom, but that's far from its sole mission. The reason I love this particular model of technology integration is because it emphasizes not only the content knowledge needed to teach the integrated lesson, but also the pedagogical and technological knowledge required to ensure the lesson's success (TPACK.org).

This multi-tiered approach to technology integration guarantees that students aren't just substituting a paper worksheet with a digital one. Instead, they are shown how the technology will meaningfully enhance their lesson and are taught how to use it by someone (you, the teacher) who knows. TPACK ensures that the integration of technology into the classroom is as seamless as it can be, leaving as little unknown to you and your students as possible.

There is still a lot to be discovered when it comes to technology integration models, as it is still a relatively new concept. Questions such as "How do I know which technology integration model will be best for my classroom?", "What are some best practices for technology integration?", and "Will integrating technology take significantly longer to plan and execute than a regular lesson?" are very common and should be asked, as there seems to be no answer to any yet.

Nonetheless, technology integration may very well end up becoming the normal way that we as educators instruct our students in the classroom. What, then, will happen to the age-old method of pencil and paper?