Jong. H. Chung's "Integrating Technology into the Classroom"

Jong. H. Chung wrote a paper for the Master Teacher Program, titled, “Integrating Technology into the Classroom.” His paper focuses upon the technological change that is happening in the educational field.

Historical Background

Chung identifies the early appearances of technology and how they have changed over the years. First, he mentions visual aids, such as films, pictures, and lantern slides. Next, motion pictures, radio, television, VCRs, computers, and the Internet happened. He cites many important historical figures whom claimed that the field of education would soon change, due to technology. His argument shifts to the present, where he claims that the Internet and computers in the classroom have become more apparent.

Motivation

In the text, Chung states, “Nonprofit and governmental organizations have been actively proposing guidelines for using technology in the classroom.” He mentions several organizations that support these notions. Most of these apply to K-12 classrooms. Almost all educators propose for technology to be used in the classroom. Therefore, most opinions differ. One opinion is to adopt the technology to improve teaching and learning. Another opinion is to take on a constructivist approach. The constructivist educators want students to manipulate technology in order to promote learning. The constructivist approach is very student-centered and focuses more upon collaborative work, informational exchange, and collaborative work.

Classroom Technology Examples

Chung provides several examples of classroom technology. One includes an interactive whiteboard. It works with a computer and enables a teacher to use touch sensors on the screen and projects the writing onto the screen. Some other examples include:

Classroom Management Software projects the student’s screen onto the classroom using a wireless network. This allows the instructor to maintain control of students’ assignments and keep order in the classroom. It provides direction and makes sure the students stay on task.

Student Response System (or clickers) allow students to respond to questions in class, without letting others know their answer. This is usually a transmitter or a remote control type unit. The students ‘click’ or vote for their answer option, and the answer is usually broadcast on a screen for the class to see. This provides immediate feedback for the class, as well as review. For classes with larger groups of students, the Student Response System enables the instructor to check answers while being more efficient with time and organization.

Chung also mentions several other examples, including a Weblog, a Wiki, an RSS feed, Multimedia Publishing, and Robots.

Concerns In the Text

Chung also addresses some concerns that could arise from integrating technology in the classroom. Some of these include unwilling teachers, technology dependency, and lack of skills, copyright violations, the digital divide and others. Chung combats some of these concerns, stating, “Technology in the classroom is not just about deploying or buying and installing the technology for instruction, but encompassing the deployment and appropriately adapting to the new technology enabled educational environment.”

Favored Recommendations

Some of my favorite recommendations that he includes are being patient and planning ample time when integrating technology in the classroom. During my experience at the University of Tennessee, nothing has been a bigger pain than when a Powerpoint won’t load on the computer. Thankfully, most instructors take extra time to allow us to prepare and find the means necessary to make the technology work. In return, this has made me respect my instructors a lot more since they try to accommodate students.

Another recommendation I like is to educate new users on the copyright laws and fair use guidelines. I believe this is vital to using technology and is not as widely talked about as it needs to be. Most people are not well informed on these laws. Additionally, images and documents help to enhance a lesson. Therefore, it is important that teachers understand these laws when they try to use these materials.

Lastly, I like the recommendation that it needs to be a gradual change when using technology. It is a learning experience for everyone. Most people will take some time to adjust to using the new equipment. It is important for teachers to know this because others may move at a different pace than others. It is okay to not understand it at first- that is the point of teaching and learning!