Introduction – Techniques for Effective Technology Integration

Hi Jason,

I liked the introduction.I particularly liked the bit where you talk about the setbacks with technology.. i.e. when the internet is not available. I agree with you that teachers need a fallback activity in these circumstances. I would also add that we need to have confidence in the students own technology skills. They have grown up with the technology and have become very proficient in its use. Often, when the teacher is stuck the pupils will suggest an idea. I also think that they need to be taken into the planning sequence a lot more… for example… if I were planning a topic on history it might be a good idea to see what ideas they had to represent the events or do the research. They can be incredibly creative in their use of technology and their awareness of what might work best for them.
I also feel that the ability for students to work with other students within their school, country or even internationally gives them greater possibilities for extending their work, after all there is a mass of knowledge out there on the net and they can make new knowledge themselves or by interacting with others… therefore we need to teach them how to find their way through the maze rather than showing them a specific path.
These are just a few ideas.. I hope they may be of some use as you consider the rest of your book.
I have saved your initial draft of the introduction on my Scribd account. I look forward to future chapters and wish you well in your endeavour.

Jason, this all looks really exciting so far. I like how you integrated the first comment/feedback about student involvement. Perhaps this needs to be a crucial piece – tech integration should involve students – student ownership, student assistance, the idea of the teacher walking alongside students on their education journey. This is a big leap for many teachers – another point that might need to be addressed. We know this, but it is a BIG transition when teachers realize they don’t have to have all the answers. Moving from sage on the stage to companion learner takes a lot of guts to do as a educator and I would offer that it is an essential transition for teachers to do when integrating technology. Not only should teachers be willing to fail w tech, but they also need to be willing to not be the expert.

The content is good as well as the pacing. I remembered my grandfather told my aunts and uncles who already have their own family to prepare the kids for the future rather than prepare the future for your kids since we do not know what will happen in the future.