Integration of Technology in the Classroom (Handout)
November 23, 2010
Traditional classrooms provider an interactive environment where students can socialize and construct a learning setting with their peers. Throughout modern history, classrooms have been the traditional location for instruction. However, as technology increasingly impacts life outside and inside the classroom, it is important for students to be familiar with modern technologies.
Hardware such as a laptops, smartboards and projectors and software such as Powerpoint, Photoshop, Scratch, Skype, and Prezi are increasingly used within the classroom. Blended learning continues to grow as traditional classrooms incorporate online components including learning management systems such as Moodle, Edu 2.0, and Blackboard, among others. Other classrooms have experimented with tools such as podcasts, blogs, and the use of virtual environments such as Second Life.
The level of integration of technology within the traditional classroom varies depending on the project from the use of a basic Powerpoint presentation to one laptop per child initiatives or an algorithm based personalized curriculum. As technologies improve at an exponential rate, how can developing countries reduce the digital divide? Should developing countries be concerned with purchasing equipment and products such as Microsoft Mouse Mischief (multi-mouse presentations and games), Smartboards, Projectors, Powerpoint (or Prezi) Presentations and other software, or is the introduction of technology increasing dependency?
Department of New York City – School of One Initiative: http://schools.nyc.gov/community/innovation/SchoolofOne/default.htm
Mouse Mischief Program – http://www.microsoft.com/multipoint/mouse-mischief/
One Laptop Per Child Initiative: http://www.laptop.org/en/
Exploring ICT and Learning in Developing Countries: www.edutechdebate.org
Compare Learning Management Systems (LMS) – http://edutools.info/item_list.jsp?pj=4
