Why??

Summary
In the article Why Integrate Technology into Curriculum the author states that "properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy." The article goes on to explain that there are four key components of learning with technology which include: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback and connection to real-world experts. Teachers must go beyond basic computer understanding and programming and move into supporting learning using these components as a framework for integration. By using technology in the classroom in a project based way will help students be intellectually stimulated as well as showing them what life might be like in an actual office or workplace.

Reaction
My reaction to this article is that I fully agree, however... how do you find the "real-world" experts? How is one to know what and where they should focus their students attention on. I am excited about the variety of webquests that there are out there, however a lot had insufficient links or were outdated. A teacher must take their time to make sure the resources they are providing for their students are valid and trustworthy. They must also ensure that they have permission from the students parents. As a parent I don't allow my child to use the internet very often for very much - especially social networking. Teachers will have to not only educate themselves but also the parents. I think this will be especially true of younger teachers teaching older students. The older the student; the older the parent - therefore less parents will have had interactions with technology themselves.

Edutopia staff. (3/17/2008). Edutopia Why Integrate Technology into Curriculum. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction