Technology+Integration

===After learning about technology integration, we were asked to watch several videos regarding the topic to see how others teachers and educators were using technology in the classroom. For this assignment, we were asked to choose on of the videos and describe why we liked it, what we learned from it, and what was the importance of technology integration in today's classrooms. Furthermore, we were asked to describe some of our own ideas on how we would integrate technology into our classrooms. What is assignment showed me, was the many useful and creative ways that technology could be integrated into the classroom. With so many distractions for students, technology integration helps to engage students and enhance classroom instruction. These resources and knowledge of technology integration will be of great benefit to me in the classroom by helping me to be a more effective teacher by creating a stimulating and engaging classroom environment.===

After watching several videos I really enjoyed the “Learning World Affairs through Digital Media” clip. I liked the video because the educators and teachers in the video seemed to take a very unique approach to how students learn about global issues. Through a diverse use of art, digital media, and even gaming, the students were actively engaged in their curriculum. Not only did the students participate actively in their projects and assignments, but the dropout rate fell dramatically. Furthermore, instead of being “consumers of education,” as one teacher stated, the students also became leaders in the education on global affairs through the application of their skills and knowledge. What I learned from the video, was the use and efficacy of gaming, and virtual environments in the classroom. I think that in today’s classrooms technology integration is enormously important. Not only does it engage students and get them excited about learning, but that it also teaches students valuable skills that are important in today’s and even tomorrow’s society. Technology is an integral part of our everyday lives and using it in the classroom has proven to be an invaluable tool, not just for teachers and students, but everyone. Most importantly, technology integration in the classroom teaches students tools to be lifelong learners. As someone who is studying to become a Social Studies teacher, I would like to integrate technology in the classroom to aid in lesson plans from history, geography, government, and economics. Getting inspiration from the video, students of history could create a short film in a virtual environment based on a historical character or event in history. Furthermore, students could play a game centered on history education. As for learning geography, students could use networking sites to connect and learn with other students from around the globe.