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This article gives seven tips for educators to remember when integrating technology.

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When most educators were children, integrating technology in the classroom was a special privilege. Your class had a weekly appointment with the computer lab where you would clack away on a behemoth Commodore or Apple playing Oregon Trail. The most modern technology they saw in elementary school was the dusty filmstrip projector that was hauled out on rainy days to show Schoolhouse Rock. Even during their high school and college years, the internet was new or limited in its capacity, so papers were written with the use of physical texts in the library found through a card catalog.

Today, technology is not a "special privilege", but an everyday expectation that is carried around in our pockets and backpacks. This rapid rise of technology acquisition can be a massive shift for educators who may be tied to more traditional methods of teaching. Changing one's mindset is never easy, but can be especially difficult for educators who rely on little to no technology in their classrooms. This creates a chasm between students who expect a high-tech learning experience and their teachers who are reluctant to put these new technologies into practice. Here, we'll explore 7 tips that can help get teachers using technology in the classroom, not simply because it is popular, but because of the sound educational value it promotes.

1. Build Awareness

Teachers integrating technology in the classroom is not a new concept, but the tools used are consistently evolving. For teachers who are not using the latest gadget in their classrooms, it may simply be the fact that they didn't know what it was, or that the district had different tools instead. Building awareness of what your district's capabilities are is an important first step to decreasing technology resistance.

2. Involve Teachers in the Decision Making Process

More often than not, teachers are handed mandates and new directives with little or no say in the process. For a highly-trained and well-educated teacher, this can be frustrating, because it feels like their expertise and training are not valued. However, if you include educators in the decision-making process, it shows that you value their voice. Invite teachers to pilot a new device in their classroom before it is purchased, or ask staff what tools and tech training they would like to see in their classrooms. Staff involvement in the decision making process is a critical "buy-in" step.

3. Streamline the Teaching Experience

One of the hardest selling points about introducing new technology to teachers is that it feels like they are once again re-inventing the wheel. For teachers who have already spent a great deal of time creating and refining their processes, new technologies can be seen as a massive and exhausting hurdle. Before presenting a new tech piece, data analysis tool, or learning management system (LMS), streamline the teaching experience by putting some starter templates in place. This gives every teacher an equal start and eliminates a portion of the stress that comes with adopting new technology.

4. Utilize Accessible, User-Friendly Software

Not all tech tools are created equal--some are great in theory, but lousy in classroom practice. If the software or tech tool is not user-friendly, it will gather (virtual) dust as your staff abandons it. This is where listening to your staff and involving them in the decision making process is critical, since your teachers will let you know what works and what doesn't in the piloting process.

5. Create and Promote Shared Resources

This idea can also be linked with creating starter templates and resources for teachers to use when they begin using a new tech tool. By using a LMS, you can have your staff share the work they've done using the new technology with their colleagues. Collaboration is a great way to find out what your colleagues down the hall are doing without having to create something new from scratch.

6. Provide Quality Professional Development Opportunities

To get teachers to integrate technology in the classroom, they need time to learn, understand, and develop lessons that utilize new technologies. Quality professional development is necessary to thoroughly introduce the new technology, allow time for teachers to navigate the software, and ask clarifying questions to the trainer. Professional development for new technology also can't be a one-and-done process. Offer refresher courses throughout the year for teachers to re-visit the software and refine their classroom processes as their comfortability with the program grows.

7. Leverage an Instructional Coaching Model

Technology coaches can play an invaluable role within a district. As questions or needs pop up, a technology coach can quickly assist teachers who may need extra help. They are also a great resource for educators who want to add more tech tools into their classroom teaching, but aren't sure where to start. A great tech coach can help those teachers get a new program or tool off the ground while supporting the teacher through the process.

We've come a long way from using dot matrix printers and overhead projectors in education. By focusing on sound pedagogical practices, we now have the ability to incorporate technology that prepares students for the ever-changing digital landscape. Following a few key tips is essential to getting your staff on board with new tech trends, tools, and software.

What are your thoughts on teachers integrating technology in the classroom? Tell us on Twitter @Schoology.

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Integrating Technology in the Classroom: 7 Tips for Teachers

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When most educators were children, integrating technology in the classroom was a special privilege. Your class had a weekly appointment with the computer lab where you would clack away on a behemoth Commodore or Apple playing Oregon Trail.

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Technology can be used in the learning process in a variety of ways. Some are supplementary, serving the original design of the classroom and usually automate some previously by-human task or process-grading multiple choice assessments, searching for a source of information, or sharing messages and other data across large groups.

However fully integrated and embedded in the learning process, technology can be transformative-and disruptive. Below the idea of technology in learning is framed in stages, from "on learning" and externally-directed, to "in learning," and self-directed. Scaffolding the learning of anything unfamiliar-somehow-is a way of supporting the learner and setting them up for long-term independent success.

The Stages of Educational Technology Integration Infographic shows a framework that can help educators fully integrate technology in the learning process:

Stage 1: Learners are directed in their use of technology. Asynchronous access to information and peer networks. Some ability for learner to select platform, technology, or even content. Traditional classroom learning begins to be disrupted.

Stage 2: This stage is characterized by powerful access to information, networks, and communities, but is mostly unable to leverage that access without supporting frameworks or planning. Learners are directed in their selection and constructivist use of technology in the learning process, traditionally to accomplish purely academic tasks that are fully accessible without the technology.

Stage 3: Mobile technology erodes traditional classroom. Truly mobile learners should disrupt non-flexible curriculum. Mobile learning experiences are inherently unpredictable, requiring varied communication, critical thinking, and aggressive resourcefulness. Standards-based academic work struggles for gravity working against this stage of technology integration.

Stage 4: This final stage of technology implementation necessitates learners to consistently self-direct critical, core components of learning experiences. Self-direction based on curiosity and play while supported by personalized learning algorithms and the connectivity of authentic networks characterizes this final stage of technology integration. Traditional classroom learning is fully disrupted.

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Stages of Educational Technology Integration Infographic - e-Learning Infographics

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Technology can be used in the learning process in a variety of ways. Some are supplementary, serving the original design of the classroom and usually automate some previously by-human task or process-grading multiple choice assessments, searching for a source of information, or sharing messages and other data across large groups.

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This article lists many ways that teachers can incorporate technology in their classrooms.

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Technology in the classroom has become a huge part of all of our lives. It's hard to keep up with all of the new must-have tech tools that are available. Teachers are now finding it harder and harder to ignore the fact that technology in the classroom has become an essential. With the Common Core State Standards requiring it, and science-based research supporting it, it's become imperative that teachers include it into their everyday curriculum.

The good news is that we are finally at a place where we have the technology at our disposal. Teachers can now incorporate technology-based lessons which have been proven to increase student motivation as well as build the skills that necessary for our students' future.

Here are a few ideas on how to integrate technology in the classroom. These ideas can be used in any classroom, regardless of the subject or content.

A classroom website is an excellent way to stay in contact with your students and communicate with parents. It not only keeps you organized and saves you time, but it also helps students develop those 21 st century skills that that they will so need for the future. A class website allows you to include classroom assignments, course information, classroom photographs, study links, classroom presentations, and so much more.

Have Students Create a Multimedia Presentation

Challenge students to use a variety of digital media to compete a multimedia presentation. Encourage students to use graphics, audio, video, or whatever else they would like to complete the task. A PowerPoint Presentation is a great choice for younger students.

Go on a Virtual Field Trip

Learning about the planets? Take your students on a virtual field trip to another galaxy. Looking for ways to have your students visit the world? Go to Reachtheworld.org and you can travel the world while educating your student's right from their seats! There are endless possibilities on the Internet, and just think no permission slips or funds are needed.

Create a WebQuest

WebQuests are a thing of the past, but are still known to engage students and fulfill the skills that they need. WebQuests can range from a single Internet-based activity to a longstanding project that may take a few weeks. You can find a WebQuest online or create your own. They are a fun way for students to use their higher-order thinking skills.

Computer Software

The Common Core State Standards require that students use a word processing application to write, edit, and print their assignment. Students can use any basic word processing software to fulfill this requirement. These computer software products will not only teach students the technology skills that is required, but it will also make their task easier to complete.

Global Learning Opportunities

Connect students with other children their age with sites like The Global Classroom Project. Students can virtually connect, learn, and share online with other students from across the globe. It's a fantastic way for children to physically see, hear, and speak with other children that they are learning about in their textbooks.

Weekly Online Assignments

Challenge students to weekly online extra credit activities. Each week provide your students with a URL that directs them to a word problem, higher-order thinking skills question, or a puzzle to figure out.

Utilize Online News Resources

Incorporate online news stories into your curriculum. While discussing current events, allow students to search online for international or national news stories that correlate with your discussion. The CNN website is an excellent choice for students.

Integrating technology in the classroom allows you to prepare your students to live in this technology-savvy world that we live in. By implementing this strategies you are preparing your learners to thrive in the 21 st century, which will only help them become that much more proficient in society.
How do you integrate technology into your lessons and classroom? Do you have specific strategies that you use? Share with us in the comment section below, we would love to hear your ideas. Janelle Cox is an education writer who uses her experience and knowledge to provide creative and original writing in the field of education. Janelle holds a Master's of Science in Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She is also the Elementary Education Expert for About.com, as well as a contributing writer to TeachHUB.com and TeachHUB Magazine. You can follow her at Twitter @Empoweringk6ed, or on Facebook at Empowering K6 Educators.

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Technology in the classroom has become a huge part of all of our lives. It's hard to keep up with all of the new must-have tech tools that are available. Teachers are now finding it harder and harder to ignore the fact that technology in the classroom has become an essential.

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This is a great resource for teachers to read that will give them more information about technology integration.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.