1. Integrating Technology into your
Classroom
Kelli Munsterman
EDC 7613: Introduction to Educational
Technology
Ottawa University

2. Integrating Technology into your Classroom
“Use technology only when it enhances
your content -- not the other way around.
It's less effective if you use technology
for technology's sake.”
–Grace Rubenstein, What Works in Education, The George
Lucas Educational Foundation, 2011.

3. At the elementary level…
Use interactive whiteboards: large-display screens that
connect to a computer and a projector, allowing the user to
control the computer by touching the screen.
Students can touch the interactive boards to solve math
problems, play games, write and edit text and much more!
This is a great way to take your traditional spelling or
arithmetic lesson and turn it into a fun, interactive activity for
the entire class. Keep other students in the classroom
engaged by giving them small, personal dry-erase boards to
use when it is not their turn to control the whiteboard.

4. At the elementary level…
Connect with peers outside city limits: through the use of
email, webcams, and videoconferencing software students
can connect with peers in another state or even another
country (a ―key pal‖)! This is a great opportunity for students
to learn about other cultures. It also provides them a chance
to improve their writing skills and learn email etiquette.
Be sure to discuss any internet safety precautions that may
be necessary, and have students do some research on the
culture and brainstorm questions beforehand so as not to
offend their new friend across the globe.

5. At the secondary level
Use “Remote Clickers”: small, handheld devices that
are used for students to answer quiz questions or polls,
providing immediate results to the instructor.
With this method, paper-pencil tests can practically be
eliminated and grading is quick! Plus, teachers can tell
right away if students are understanding the lesson or
not.

6. At the secondary level
Use digital or video cameras: capture images or
performances on film. Allow students to get their
creative juices flowing by acting out skits and
videotaping them. Digital cameras can be great for the
aspiring photographers and photojournalists out there.
The videos can be uploaded and streamed online for
others to see. Or, students could hold a ―film festival‖ or
―gallery opening‖ to present their creative works to their
families and the community.

7. At the college level
Earn your degree online: taking classes in a virtual
setting has many benefits, including flexibility that works
with a busy schedule. Online courses still offer rigorous
curriculum and quality instructors to facilitate learning. It
is possible to receive a top-notch education without
setting foot in the classroom. Course management
software makes it easy to navigate through online
resources, submit assignments, and interact with peers
and the instructor.

8. At the college level
Explore e-Textbooks: digital textbooks offer many
wonderful features that can enhance the reader’s
understanding of a text, such as highlighting and note-
taking tools. Many e-textbooks have interactive features
where you can converse with other users regarding the
text in an online format.
E-Textbooks are a great alternative to traditional bound,
paper textbooks—particularly in subjects where
information quickly changes and new editions must be
published.

9. At the college level
Start a Blog: an online forum for students to share their
thoughts and experiences, similar to a journal.
Blogs allow for there to be running dialogue between
the author and readers through a ―comments‖ section.
Blogging is a great alternative to a traditional journal
because the author’s thoughts can be so easily shared
with others and the information is archived.

10. Conclusion
Many of the ideas for ways to integrate technology in
the classroom can be done at any grade level. For
example, interactive whiteboards can be used in higher
grade levels and are often used in the workforce as
well.
Some activities may seem juvenile to older students,
like having a ―key pal‖. Consider your audience when
choosing an activity using technology.
As long as students receive instruction on how to use a
particular device or platform, they will be able to have a
rich learning experience. The key is setting clear
objectives for each lesson and explaining the use of the