Hampson how-to: Technology in the classroom

When I graduated from universitysix years ago, the idea of incorporating technology was pushed as a means of appealing to my students various intelligences. What I did NOT get in my fabulously expensive education was:

detailed instruction in how I should integrate various technologies
which technologies were particularly relevant to me as a second language teacher
once in the field, when I was going to find time to figure it all out
how to ensure that the school I chose had appropriate resources so that I could try to be innovative in using new technologies with my students

These were just some of the questions I was left with as I began my journey into teaching. These are also the questions I still ask myself in my teaching practice. As an area of great interest to me, I have made time to delve further into educating myself in various educational technology-related topics. Through listening to what works for others, and ongoing experimentation, I am constantly adding new tools to my toolbox, and setting aside those that don't meet my needs at the time.

I have had he opportunity to work in different types of school settings over the last few years, however, the level of access to various computer-related technologies has not been what I hoped it might be. Lack of functioning resources, adequate numbers of resources, access to up to date software, and a computer technician have all been barriers to greater innovation. It can be difficult to engage the greater school community in a vision that might be hard to share with others - many people still do not see the potential that even basic computer-related technologies can bring to the classroom. In an ideal world, I would be able to finish a project with my students, getting timely computer lab access to enrich their skills. As a new teacher, when you are working towards a tenured position, you are not necessarily in a position to make too many demands!

This has not changed my view on the potential benefits of information technology and computer use with a class. I feel that there are a number of resources out there that can save time, increase interest, and provide unique learning experiences for my students. As I become more proficient with the technology tools that I am using, I can pass on this information to my students. The limitations placed on me only serve to remind me of the students out there whose access is even more impeded than my own.

So for all those teachers out there who want to innovate, and are limited, excited, unsure or expert - dive in. Try it out for yourself, and keep moving forward! Your students will appreciate your efforts (it may just take a while for them to realise it)!

The articles I have listed below deal with technology use in the school in some way, and I hope they can be of use if you are wondering why and how you can integrate different types of technology into your teaching.

Making the Case for Educational Technology to Teachers

An article from the International Society for Technology Education.

How to get buy-in from teacher leaders, new and veteran teachers alike. Why each group can benefit from the use of technology.
Why teachers should use computers in their learning environments - the various reasons why computer technology should be integrated. Reasons include the prevalence of technologies in the workplace today, providing different means of communicating with parents, possibilities for collaboration, and the ability to appeal to a wider variety of learning styles.
Tips and tricks for integrating technology. Links to a variety of resources including tutorials, success stories, opportunities for collaboration between students and teachers.
A discussion of students today, and how computer and technology exposure is changing the way that they learn.