Running head: INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY 1

Integration of Technology and Media Resources

Lyssa Heath
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of requirements of UED 495, Fall 2019

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Introduction
The use of technology has changed and improved classroom instruction greatly within

the last twenty years. Media and technology integration, which used to be a distant dream, has

become a daily staple in many schools around the United States. Durak & Saritepeci write, “Use

of technology in education is of great importance for both realization of effective learning-

teaching processes and raising individuals possessing competences necessary for being a

member of the 21st century society” (2017). As a preservice teacher, I implemented media and

technology into many of my lessons, including the following one that focuses on practicing

context clues.

Rational

The first artifact included is my lesson plan for IDEAS which is a context clues strategy

for determining the meaning of unknown words. Using a google slide show, I used passages

from an excerpt from Tuck Everlasting that the class had been working with during the past

week. We had been focusing on strategic questioning, but I wanted to review the IDEAS strategy

before an upcoming assessment. The lesson was implemented during small group reading time

with three groups participating. The students were very engaged and competitive throughout the

lesson.

My second artifact includes both the slide show and photos of student work. The

slideshow was created to show first the question, then the key words, and finally the answer. The

students wrote their answer down with the marker on the table before discussing it as a small

group. Students were required to both write down an answer, and also explain why they chose

this answer. Using the slideshow was effective because I was able to use a concrete tool to help

the students walk through a rather abstract concept.

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Reflection of Theory and Practice

Whether desired or not, the use of technology is growing more and more in the

classroom. In implementing technological lessons and activities, teachers are able to engage

students more, tailor instruction to meet each learner’s needs, and encourage peer collaboration.

In my fifth-grade classroom, we use technology in some form for almost every lesson because it

provides both a focused and individualized element to the learning. Whether it is a ViewSonic

board, Doc Cam, and Chromebook, each device allows students to better understand and

comprehend the material. “Using a computer, tablet, or other device encourages self-directed

learning and creates an active participant in the learning process, rather than the passive learners

found in a lecture environment” (Capella University, 2017).

Teachers can also implement technology to help differentiate lessons in the classroom.

Many mathematic and reading programs are designed to evaluate a student’s potential based on a

benchmark test and then create individualized lessons and problems to help a student focus on

whatever level they may be. This can beneficial for students who are further behind in topics

while also challenging students who are advanced in the lesson. “Each student is unique, so with

technology, a teacher can address this issue efficiently” (Ed Tech Action Network).

Finally, technology can offer students more opportunities for collaboration in their

learning. As students work together to learn how to navigate technological programs, they also

are given opportunities to work on together on projects and programs. Using technology

correctly in the classroom is just another tool that makes a teacher effective. The Bible discusses

the appropriate use of talents in Matthew 25. While a computer is obviously never mentioned in

this passage, the concept remains the same. To be a truly wise steward of my classroom and
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students, I need to be sure I am putting to use all the materials and tools that I have been

provided with. This includes the integration of technology and media in the classroom.
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References
Capella University. (2017, May 23). 5 Reasons to Incorporate Technology into Your Classroom.

Retrieved September 28, 2019, from https://www.capella.edu/blogs/cublog/benefits-of-

technology-in-the-classroom

Durak, H. Y., & Saritepeci, M. (2017). Investigating the Effect of Technology Use in Education

on Classroom Management within the Scope of the FATİH Project. Cukurova University

Faculty of Education Journal, 46(2), 441–457.

https://doiorg.ezproxy.regent.edu/10.14812/cuefd.303511

Ed Tech Action Network. (2016, December 28). Top Five Reasons Why Technology Should Be

Used in Classrooms. Retrieved September 29, 2019, from

http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org/top-five-reasons-why-technology-should-be-used-

in-classrooms/