Integrating Instructional Technology of the

Comprehensive Classroom Technology Plan

6/21/2015
Introduction
Technology has started to be integrated through instructive strategies
more readily in classroom environments around the world. Many educators
have incorporated the new advancements of technology through software
programs, interactive SMART Boards, and computers which helps facilitate
academic growth and learning to all students. According to Allvin (2014),
Teachers must be aware that this approach of learning is essential to the
classroom atmosphere because technology is becoming a crucial part of the
daily lives of individuals in educational, career, and home environments.
They must be able to prepare their students with basic technological skills
that will help them excel in their future goals. Students develop skills in
collaboration, communication, cross-cultural understanding, decision making,
and visualization when educators advocate integrated technology learning
but also have the understanding that technology portrays advantages and
disadvantages in education.
Integrating Instructional Technology
SMART Boards
SMART Boards are the updated chalkboard and overhead projector in
the classroom today. These interactive boards provide flexibility, distant

learning, technology integration, and enhances teaching and learning

moments. Teachers connect interactive whiteboards to an electronic device
in the classroom to easily display an amplified projection of academic
content for all students to access and observe (Linder, 2012). Students are
able to connect their Smartphones and tablets to the SMART Board during a
teachers lesson or activity. This allows students to visually see the content
being taught and allows them to comprehend learning at their own individual
needs. They are also able to collaborate with their peers from their desks
and ask questions to their instructors over their device without disrupting the
entire classroom.
Smartphones
Many educators are still apprehensive when allowing students using
Smartphones in the classroom but knowing how versatile these devices can
be to educational purposes in and outside of the classroom have changed
their views in a more positive manner. Teachers are able to set up software
that allows them to send alerts and important information directly to
students through texting on the Smartphones. Teachers can also utilize
Smartphones as clickers in the classroom when evaluating students
comprehension through interactive quizzes and tests. Students are able to
use different note-taking and VoiceMemo apps to record lectures for extra
help and assistance on difficult material. Lastly, they can also use their
Smartphones to access the internet for research and email purposes without
disrupting their peers in the classroom environment.

LiveBinder
LiveBinder is a free web tool that provides many benefits in daily
routines and instruction in the classroom. Hora and Holden (2012) argue
that one of the major challenges in education is to convince the traditional
teachers to accept and incorporate new technology into the classroom.
Traditional educators have a difficult time adapting to the changes in
education due to the fact that they many are lacking proper experience and
training with new advancements in technology. However, LiveBinder is an
easy and flexible web tool that provides sufficient support to any individual
wanting to facilitate new tips and strategies to promote online learning and
teaching in the classroom environment. This web tool allows teachers,
students, and parents the ability to update and organize learning material
and strategies wherever there is Internet access. Teachers can use
LiveBinder as an interactive tool inside and outside of the classroom to help
students stay on task and motive to learn throughout the year. This web tool
allows students to check daily assignments, rubrics, complete research, and
listen to podcasts. According to Hora and Holden (2012), one of the major
challenges in education is to convince the traditional teachers to accept and
incorporate new technology into the classroom.
Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning
Today, one of the major debates in education is if the use of technology
inside the classroom is more of a distraction or benefit for teaching and
learning. Educators can go around and around with this topic. Just like any

new teaching technique or strategy, there are always advantages and

disadvantages that have to be overcome. Many educators feel that a major
concern for integrating technology into the classroom environment will allow
more students the opportunity to access too much information readily and
tempt cheating. Another con of using technology with instruction is the
concern of classroom disruption and inappropriate use. To help decrease
these concerns, educators must advocate proper use of technology in the
classroom and inform their students of the consequences when using these
tools other than for educational purposes. Technology also provides many
benefits in the classroom. Students are able to learn how to collaborate with
others by using interactive tools in the classroom. These skills will help
students develop and retain skills for their future careers. Students that are
provided the opportunities to use technology as a hands on learning tool
comprehend and understand material more easily and efficiently (Canella,
2012). Good educators know that students learn at all different levels and
speeds. Technology supports the individual needs of all students and allows
teachers to differentiate their lessons to facilitate academic growth and
learning.
Conclusion
Even though integrating technology can be seen as a risky aspect by
some educators, the benefits outweigh the cons for most. Our world has
become so reliant on the access and use of technology that students would

be held at a disadvantage if the Internet, web tools, and technological

devices were not facilitated in everyday learning.

References
Allvin, R. (2014). Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom. YC: Young
Children, 69(4), 62-68.
Canella, S. (2010). Choose Technology over Textbooks. Kentucky English
Bulletin, 60(1), 99-100.
Hora, M., Holden, J. (2012). Exploring Faculty Decision-making Processes for
using Instructional
Technology in the Classroom Implications for Policy and Practice.
Wiscape, 1-17.

Linder, M. (2012). Interactive Whiteboards in Early Childhood Mathematics.

YC: Young Children,
67(3), 26-35.