Integrating technology in the curriculum can be somewhat of a daunting thing to

think about. However, I feel that the pros outweigh the cons in this circumstance.
Integrating technology involves an active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal
directed classroom (Allsopp, 2007). It is imperative that educators create this
environment for students when implementing technology into the curriculum. A
thoughtful and meaningful way of the use of technology in schools involves a situation in
which students are actively engaged in their work. In order for this to happen, there
needs to be challenge based learning involving new technological applications such as
tablets and smartphones. Connecting these experiences with their own lives and
surrounding communities, students will find more enthusiasm in their learning
(Johnson, 2014). Providing experiences for students in which they can relate to the
material supports effective learning.
I believe all educators must have a plan for new implementation. My plan is to
take it step by step. Becoming more familiar with newer technological systems is the
first phase. We, as educators, must learn and teach ourselves how to work technology in
order to implement that technology properly and effectively into our own classrooms. I
would believe practice to be the next step in integrating technology into my classroom.
After exploring newer technology, I plan on engaging myself deeper into the different
specs of the tool. I relate my work back to the famous quote which dates back to the
1500s, Practice makes perfect. Although nothing is ever really perfect, striving for
perfection, and knowing that sometimes things change, is a great quality to have.
As with everything and anything, there are always some challenges that may
come about when implementing something completely new such as technology. When it
comes to incorporating technology, there can be technological difficulties such as website
and program errors that may occur. Strategies involving planning and preparing ahead of
time in the circumstance that something like this happens is essential. This is also a great
example relating back to the quote I stated earlier, Practice makes perfect. Sometimes
practice is not enough. Planning, preparing, and assessing these new and upcoming
technological systems is key to successful and active learning in the classroom. Another
key to successful and active learning involves organization within the day-to-day
schedule. Organization, when it comes to technology, can make or break a lesson.
Making sure the technology is up and running and working before the lesson takes off
adds to applicable and coherent lessons.
References

Allsopp, M. M., Hohlfeld, T., & Kemker, K. (2007). The Technology Integration Matrix:
The development and field-test of an Internet based multi-media assessment tool
for the implementation of instructional technology in the classroom.

Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., Freeman, A. (2014). NMC Horizon Report:
2014 Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.