Introduction

Purpose

Having a history of integrating technology into my instructional practices, I found that technology has beneficial results for student learning. Involving technology resources into instructional practices can enhance student learning and engagement. I created this informative website as a tool to support and inform educators on fusing technology into their instructional practices. This website contains resources on the advantages of applying technology to instructional practices, insight on how to successfully incorporate technology, and instructional tools to make the integration of technology simple.

Philosophy

My philosophy for applying educational technology to my instructional practices is to differentiate teaching by redesigning traditional techniques by using the SAMR Model to personalize my approach to support diverse learners.  I apply the SAMR Model when constructing my instructional practices to be the framework for how I can support my instruction and transform the curriculum to target diverse learners. The SAMR Model allows me to evaluate what level of technology I am integrating into my instructional practices to improve student learning without taking away from the agenda.

Equitable use

Technology in the classroom can be used as a tool that offers instructional support, as well as informational resources, and can reinforce learning. Therefore, it is essential that students have equitable access to technology inside and outside of the classroom to support instructional practices and student learning. Although there can be many barriers to overcome when it comes to all students acquiring electronic devices and internet access, educators can strategize to reduce the digital divide.

When technology is integrated into the curriculum, the educator should consider three factors. The teacher should determine how many electronic devices are available in the classroom, how many students have access to electronic devices at home, and how many students have access to the internet connection in their homes. If possible, allow every student in the class to use and take home their own tablet for learning materials and homework. If there are not enough electronic devices for all students to work independently, create lessons that involve collaborative learning to share devices and allow students who do not have at-home devices to borrow one. As for students that do not have an internet connection in their homes, provide their parents with information about locations with free internet connections or low-cost internet provider details. Lastly, adjust the material required on the devices to be pre-downloadable for students without an internet connection. With these measures in place, all students will have equal means to technology.

 Ethical use

When integrating technology into the classroom, it is critical to ensure that students are employing technology ethically. To guarantee students’ safety on the internet, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was established in 2000 for schools and libraries. CIPA is an internet safety policy that monitors students’ activities and filters or restricts any harmful and inappropriate material. CIPA will certify that students stay protected on the internet while remaining on Teacher approved websites.

With the continuance of integrating technology into classrooms, it is imperative that educators and students have the proper understanding of how to not plagiarize or use copyright/ trademarked content and comprehend why it’s important to cite their sources. Therefore, educators should teach and continually reinforce how to properly cite material from the internet. Then, teachers could support the importance of citing material by providing a relatable example to the class. For instance, the teacher could express how Student A drew and painted a picture but when they turned it in, they forgot to put their name on their work. When the teacher examined the photo, they praised the photo and hung it in the class for everyone to see. Since the teacher did not know which student to recognize for the artwork, they asked the student responsible for the art to claim the photo. Before Student A could acknowledge the ownership of the art, Student B claimed the photo as their own and received all the credit. Then the teacher can proceed with the example by questioning the class about why plagiarizing is wrong and Student A’s feelings. By using an understandable example with the class, the teacher can express the importance of citing and why it should be done.

Social Responsibility

Educators must teach learners to be good “digital citizens” by using technology socially responsibly, as well as promoting productive and respectful interactions. Becoming a good “digital citizen” is understanding the appropriate way to use and interact with others on electronic devices. This can be achieved by showing the student’s how to successfully manage their devices while being safe and responsible with interactions. Teachers can reinforce expectations of establishing social responsibility with technology by monitoring interactions and modeling desired behavior.

In addition, educators should inform students of their digital footprints and how they can leave a mark on the world, but it is up to them whether is beneficial or not. Learners should understand the importance of leaving their digital footprints and that once something is on the internet, it cannot be deleted or removed. Teachers should emphasize to their students that words and actions can impact others and cannot be undone. Therefore, stressing the gravity of not harassing or cyberbullying.

To demonstrate the significance of social responsibility when using technology, the teacher could have their students perform a Google search of their names or families’ names to locate what is available to the public on the internet.