Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?
The article lists 4 reasons as to why technology should be integrated:
Active engagement
Particpation in groups
Frequent interaction and feedback
Connection to real-world experts
One area that I have found most teachers struggle the most is participation in groups. Especially when looking into initiatives such as BYOD, teachers see it as a way to segregate the "haves" verses the "have nots" in their classes. But, when done right, it can fortify the second goal. In order to integrate it, teachers design and form groups so that each group has a device. Technology is then integrated and students need to use the device within the group to accomplish a goal. It not only helps with group participation and communication but also with problem solving skills as well.
PBL also instills the goals of technology integration with extra support on participation in groups. Within these learning situations, students are required to use technology to support a real-world product. Not only is group work needed for this style of project and learning but students are challenged to engage and find personal accountability for the project being created.
Alicen, group work is always a challenge for teachers. Like any pedagogy, students have to be trained how to learn in that environment - and, unfortunately, many teachers don't have the patience (and often time with the pressures of standardized testing) to invest the time required.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I am also taking Dr. Rice's class right now about PBL and love the idea. It can be scarey and daunting. And don't get me wrong, there are many positives and negatives. However some teachers write-off group work (PBL, BYOD, or anything else) before even trying it.
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