Article About Integrating Technology

King-Sears, M.E., & Evmenova, A.S. (2007). Premises, principles, and processes for integrating TECHnology into instruction. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40(1), 6-14. Retrieved August 20, 2009, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1346029571).

In this article, the authors provide information about why and how technology should be integrated into instruction. Teachers should integrate technology in instruction because it can help prepare students for careers in a technological world, especially students with disabilities. By utilizing technology, teachers can help meet the diverse needs of their students with and without disabilities. The integration of technology also enhances the learning process when teachers and students access technology daily in meaningful tasks rather than by teaching technology as a separate skill. In order to utilize technology effectively, teachers must keep abreast of the newest technology available. It changes so quickly!The authors provide four principles teachers should follow to effectively integrate technology. They should choose technology that aligns with the curriculum to ensure that it promotes students’ learning and is not just busy work. Teachers should match students’ instructional needs with the technology. They should make sure the content is neither too difficult nor too easy for the students. Teachers should choose technology that helps students with special needs blend in with their peers whenever possible. For example, teachers may select headphones that are similar to those on an IPod rather than bulky ones. One final recommendation was that teachers should choose the most cost effective alternative when selecting technology. They should ask if the technology is really necessary and if there are other ways to get the job done.The authors concede that making decisions as to which technology to use can be overwhelming. They offer the acronym TECH to help teachers through the process of making choices where technology is concerned. Teachers should first target students’ needs and their learning outcomes. They should then examine the technology choices available and decide what to use. Next, teachers should create opportunities to integrate the technology with other instructional activities. Finally, teachers should handle the implementation of the technology and monitor its impact on students’ learning.