Justification+of+Technology+Integration

WHY INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY?
Technology is in our homes, jobs, schools, and community. It has become an ubiquitous component from the time we wake up in the morning to when we go to sleep at night. We are required to use various types of technology for conferencing, communicating, and networking in businesses and industries. The education environment is no different, teachers must use technology to communicate with parents, collaborate with collegues, and give feedback to students. Most importantly, teachers must become part of the education reform and prepare students for the 21st century through technology integration.

In the classroom, successful technology integration is learning with active engagement, group collaboration, frequent and continuous feedback, and real word connections. The use of technology itself would be transparent and the users unaware that this is a select time or opportunity. Successful technology integration is not about showing off a new tool or fun website, it's about how the technology is being used to change the learning process. Educators must never forget the driving force of instruction; the needs of the students. Our students need to be proficient in 21st century skills and they will be through successful technology integration.

For students the 21st century is their domain, they will be the business, industry, and govenment leaders. In order for them to be successful leaders of society they will need the following 21st century skills:
 * Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
 * Collaboration across Networks and Leading by Influence
 * Agility and Adaptability
 * Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
 * Effective Oral and Written Communication
 * Accessing and Analyzing Information
 * Curiosity and Imagination

Technology Integration Matrix

Resources:
What is 21 Century Education. Retrieved on July 20 2011 from [] Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum. Retrieved on July 20 2011 from [] Why Integrate Technology in Teaching. Retrieved on July 20 2011 from []