Untitled Formative

LSA 6.2 Technology Integration for Teaching and Learning in the Army Learning Environment Summary

The purpose of technology integration in teaching and learning is to enhance the student learning experience and educational outcomes. However, what is the best approach to integrating technology in the Army learning environment? And after deciding the approach, what tools can be used to integrate technology? This summary focuses on answering these questions, so students have the tools they need to engage their students and contribute to their success.

Technology Integration:

The purpose of technology integration in teaching and learning is to:

• Enhance the teaching and learning experience.

• Improve outcomes.

Integrating technology in teaching and learning is important because it…

Assists students in building the competencies for 21$^{st}$ century skills. For example:

• digital literacy

• information management

• adaptability/flexibility

• creativity/innovation

• collaboration & communication

Supports differentiated instruction.

• Personalized learning: scaffolding content through various levels to meet the needs of all learners.

• Connects the resident/nonresident learning environment with authentic real-world contexts/environments.

…And it’s Fun!

What are some disadvantages of technology integration?

Some instructors and students may not view technology as a positive contributor to teaching and learning; however, technology integration is common in all aspects of education. Thus, possessing this knowledge is imperative for future instructors.

• Excessive screen time (distraction, less interaction-social, time consuming, sedentary, health effects: eyes, ears, tendonitis)

• Not as cognitively challenging (writing makes you smarter!)

Implementation & Use (access - does the institution have the resources? Do instructors and students know how? Are there digital literacy gaps and/or low self-efficacy for technology use)?

Inflexibility & Cost (having to change software to meet the upgrade demand or cost in general of purchasing the software, internet goes down)

Equity & Inclusion (Is everyone being given the same access to technology?)

Purposefulness and Differentiated Instruction:

So, knowing there are these challenges, it is important to be purposeful when integrating technology and not to use it randomly.

• If the goal is to integrate technology, how do you approach this?

  • First, by recognizing its purposefulness.

  • Second, by ensuring it is assisting in creating pathways to differentiated instruction. (Drexel University School of Education, n.d.).

  • Third, by selecting and integrating technology and media that is driven by the appropriate foundational aspects of lesson design.

  • Fourth, by asking the 4 Es (Kilbane & Milman, 2014).

Purposeful use that assists instructors in applying differentiated instruction is selecting and integrating technology and media that is driven by:

• The teaching & learning goals

• Ample interaction, & enhanced collaboration & engagement

• Ability to customize content & settings to meet learners’ needs.

• Accessibility to all learners & easy to use.

Key questions to ask when you are deciding which technology to use are the four Es: equitable, engaging, effective, and efficient.

• Equitable: Do all students have access to the technology, and how much access do they have?

• Engaging: What does this technology add to student learning and engagement and the overall learning experience?

• Effective: Does the technology help all or some learners achieve the outcomes?

• Efficient: What’s available for use? Is the technology practical and easy to use? (Kilbane & Milman, 2014).

What are other ways technology integration could be useful:

• Enhances Access to Information & Resources.

Increases Efficiency & Productivity for Instructors & Students.

Promotes Lifelong Learning Opportunities (American University School of Education, 2020).

Offers Data Driven Education.

Positively Promotes Inclusivity.

Enhances Students Digital Literacy Skills for the future.

Fun! (Joshi, 2023)

The relationship to Cooperative Learning (promotive interaction):

Using technology in the online classroom can make learning more engaging and collaborative. Interactive activities such as polling, taking a quiz, or creating a concept map requires doing something rather than passively listening to an instructor. Students often learn more effectively when they are actively involved in a learning activity. Thus, the choice of technology should facilitate an active learning environment where students are involved in the learning process.

For the Instructor Fundamentals Exam, knowing the various forms of technology integration are listed below in the far right column, F2F & Online.

Cooperative Learning & Technology Integration

References

American University School of Education. (2020, June 25). How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/technology-in-education/

Joshi, S. (2023, June 22). The role of technology in education, post pandemic. eLearning Industry. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://elearningindustry.com/the-role-of-technology-in-education-post-pandemic

Kilbane, C. R., & Milman, N. B. (2014). Teaching models: Designing instruction for 21st century learners. Pearson.

TR 350-70-12, The Army Distributed Learning Program (2023). Training and Doctrine Command: Fort Eustis, VA.