Running head: INTEGRATION OF TECHOLOGY 1

Integration of Technology and Media Resources

Ashia Brown

Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 495 Field Experience ePortfolio, Spring 2018

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Integration of Technology and Media Resources

Technology in the classroom has become one of the leading controversial topics in

education. There are many educators who do not see or understand the benefit of integrating

technology in schools. However, that are many educators who, not only understand the benefits,

but have seen them first hand. In this advancing technological age, integrating technology in our

school systems is vital to the success of the upcoming generations. Technology and media

resources help students relate to the world around; in just a few clicks, students are able to travel

the world without ever leaving the classroom. Technology also aids in the nation-wide school

agenda of differentiated learning. Educational programs have been developed to meet students

learning needs at their various levels. Technology has also been used to engage students in the

learning process by showing content relatable videos, by using interactive whiteboards, and

printing relevant creations on three-dimensional printers. Implementing technology in the

classroom has allowed students to further their learning quicker and more efficiently by

providing resources that would not be accessible other wise.

Rational for Selection of Artifacts

The artifacts that I chose to illustrate my competence in the integration of technology in

education depicts how technology has been implemented in my classroom to support students’

learning. These artifacts also demonstrate how technology was used for instruction to promote

higher level thinking skills.

The first artifact is a collage of pictures that illustrates how technology has been used to

support students’ growth. One of the pictures illustrates one of my students using the smartboard

during a small group lesson. During this activity students answered questions displayed on the

Promethean Board on their own recording sheet. After, students were called on to answer the
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questions on the board and to explain their thinking. The use of technology in this photo also

illustrates students’ engagement during instruction; notice, all students are paying close attention

to the student’s explanation. In the collage are several pictures of student’s computer screens.

These pictures display a variety of games. These games are apart of my daily math centers

because they allow students to practice required grade level skills in a differentiated and

engaging manner. There are a few pictures that portray a game of Kahoot which I created as a

review for my students the day before a unit test. Prior to my arrival, these students had never

played a game of Kahoot. They absolutely love it! Kahoot keeps them engaged; they are always

ready to learn via Kahoot. Not only does Kahoot engage my students, it also provides me

accurate data that I use to determine who needs more help on a particular subject.

The last artifact that I have included is an evaluation complete by my cooperating teacher.

This artifact demonstrates how I have planned lessons that are appropriate for my students. It

also indications how I have used technology, Kahoot, to engage students during instruction.

Finally, it illustrates how I have collected data electronically to support student’s growth and

understanding.

Refection on Theory and Practice

One of the things that I have learned in my courses, that is being reiterated in my student

teaching experience, is the advance toward technology in the classroom. In my course on the

integration of technology I was required to complete several Google trainings. These trainings

provided a basic understanding of Google applications. What I did not know was that I was

going to be placed in a technology enhanced school and that this training would be vital in this

environment. Google classroom is used to assign classwork which requires students to used
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Google Slides to illustrate their learning. They also use Padlet to post small digital post-it notes

to collaborate with colleagues.

Another tool that I have become fond of is the interactive smartboard. This tool aids in

designing engaging learning experiences. (Paula Rutherford, 2008). It provides students with the

opportunity to connect what they are learning to the real world by allowing them to interact with

the content (Lori Elliott, 2011). By having an interactive smartboard in the classroom, students

are motivated to learn new content and review things they have learned. Another thing that

Elliott said is “When one student is at the whiteboard ensure to use cooperative strategies for the

rest of the class.” (Lori Elliott, 2011) I used this tip when I engaged my students while one was

at the board. This is described above and illustrated in the collage.

Like other skills teachers use in the classroom, integrating technology effectively comes

with experience. The more you work with it, the better you will become. The same can be said

about students. Technology has allowed students to be more engaged in their learning which has

promoted student growth. Also, technology has encouraged students to be more responsible for

their learning because it gives them more options to express what they have learned.
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References

Elliott, L. (2011). Teach like a techie: 20 tools for reaching the digital generation. Peterborough,

NH: Crystal Springs Books.

Rutherford, P. (2015). Instruction for all students. Alexandria, VA: Just ASK.