Technology is revolutionizing the way we think, work, and learn. When effectively integrated into the curriculum, technology enhances the learning process. Technology in the curriculum improves students’ learning development and teachers who recognize computers as problem-solving tools will adapt and change in the way they teach. Constructivist learning will take the place of a behavioral-based approach and project-based learning will replace traditional teaching methods. Students will engage and direct their own learning through the use of interactive multimedia technologies and will transparently adapt their new skills to any learning environment.

With the educational reforms of No Child Left Behind, the necessity of today’s students to have 21st Century Skills has never been so important. These skills include:

Technology integration lends itself as a multidimensional tool to engage students in the learning process to help achieve these skills. Students acquire and demonstrate higher-order thinking, problem solving and analysis. They become responsible for their learning outcomes.

There is evidence that technology integration positively affects student achievement and academic performance. The Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) found that technology impacts achievement in content area learning, promotes higher-order thinking and problem solving skills, and prepares students to enter the workforce. Furthermore, technology can enhance how students learn by supporting four key components of learning: active engagement, group participation, interaction and formative assessment (feedback), and connections to real-world resources.

It isn't about the technology, it's about how we use technology to enhance the learning experience of our students.

Email: john [at] maklary [dot] com