Integrating Technology and The Teacher's Role

It is obvious that if we expect teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum there needs to be a degree of familiarity with the computer. The question is how familiar? How much does a teacher need to know about computers to effectively integrate them into the curriculum? Teachers don't need to know how a computer works but rather how to use and apply a computer in the classroom. A simple analogy can be used when comparing a computer user to a person that operates a vehicle.In order to operate a vehicle a driver does not need to understand how the engine of the vehicle works, how to repair the vehicle, or even know how to buy a vehicle.It is expected that the driver will know how to operate the vehicle on the road understanding road signs and expectations of drivers on the road.As the driver gains more experience driving, their confidence level increases as well as their skill on the road.When operating a computer a basic level of knowledge is necessary in order to be successful.The user does not need to know how the computer works, how to repair the computer, or even know how to buy a computer.Over time the user will become more experienced and confident with using a computer. Teachers should strive for two goals when integrating technology.The first goal is to become a computer-using teacher. It may be the producing materials to use in the classroom such as handouts, banners or newsletters. It may be using the computer to manage your students' marks or using a software program to strengthen a particular skill. The second goal is to make the computer a teaching partner rather than an object of study. The instructional goals of computer-using teachers are in science, math, language arts, social studies, and other disciplines, not in computers.