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Innovative vs. Integration

North Court 101 - Before Kevin Creamer/ via Compfight

With many schools in a variety of positions on the use of technology in the classroom, how do you determine what is effective or ineffective?  The word integration has been flying around for more than a decade in regards to technology.

I have been in and out of many classrooms that are integrating technology into their lessons and am sad to report that despite a plethora of technology in the classroom we just have more of the same tired old lessons.  It is very obvious in some cases that the device is just being used as a babysitter.  In other cases the laminated lesson plans that didn't work without the technology are still being used and they don't work with the technology.

I suggest we change our terminology and eliminate the phrase technology integration.  I think the entire ideology needs to be replaced with the word innovative.  Here are four questions to help your lessons become innovative with technology.

1. What does the technology used in this lesson allow me to do that I couldn't do before?  Think about how much better this lesson is because of the technology being used.

2. Is this curricular or utility?  If it is curricular, are you using to reteach or reinforce previously taught content?  If you are using a game, the game should not cover content that you have not already provided instruction over.  If it is utility, how is it improving instruction?  It should allow your students to be more creative, collaborative or allow them to streamline their workflow.

3.  What are you replacing by adding this to your instruction?  We know there are only so many hours in the day.  Realistically you cannot add more without taking something else away.  Be sure to note that as you are developing your lesson.

4.  Is this making my instruction better?  Bottom line, when you add technology to a lesson it should be to enhance the lesson.  It should allow you to take you lesson farther.  It should keep your students more engaged.  But, if you are using it as busy work then you are taking what could be an effective lesson and instantly making it ineffective.

In the end, the tools you add should make your and your student's lives better.  Don't start with the tool and try to figure out which lesson you can add it to.  Start with your lesson plans and ask yourself "How can I make this lesson more innovative?"
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