Technology Integration

TechnoKids has a comprehensive library of technology projects. These instructional materials support the integration of technology into curriculum. Students complete real-world tasks to master essential skills and knowledge.

Technology integration is the seamless blend of digital tools and technology skills into learning. The emphasis is on achieving curriculum objectives using thoughtfully selected hardware and software. Technology integration in its broadest form includes devices, social media platforms, networks, applications, the Internet, classroom practices, and school management systems. However, at TechnoKids, when it comes to technology integration our focus is upon the practical application of digital literacy tools.

TechnoKids technology projects include a teacher guide, workbook, and resources. Our teacher guides include integration ideas, teaching strategies, detailed assignments, and assessment tools. Teachers do not need to be programmers or digital literacy experts to use these resources. Instead, they can follow the detailed illustrated instructions to create meaningful learning experiences.

Technology integration should be fun! Whether the task is using Google Docs to publish a biography, Microsoft PowerPoint to create an interactive map, or Scratch to code a game, TechnoKids activities fit into curriculum. We make it easy for teachers to include the lessons as an introductory task to develop essential technology skills, culminating project to showcase learning, or as a cross-curriculum unit.

The primary goal of technology integration is to enrich learning. At TechnoKids, we design fun theme-based activities that forge cross-curricular connections. Each lesson applies digital tools helping students to develop a deeper understanding of content. At the same time, they gain technical competency which is transferrable to new situations.

Without a doubt, technology integration empowers students. It helps them become responsible digital citizens. Furthermore, it enables learners to confidently use digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, solve problems, communicate, and collaborate - all essential 21st Century skills.

Some educators may remember life before the invention of the computer, Internet, email, chat, cell phones, and video gaming systems. However, most children today can't. They have grown up in a world where devices are essential tools. They are an integral part of how students communicate, learn, and have fun.

Many children are familiar with technology, and they do things differently than people did it in the past. Today many children regularly use the Internet instead of a book to research. They send an email or use chat instead of picking up the phone to call a friend. Moreover, they frequently use the computer to type a document instead of writing it out by hand. Technology is seamlessly integrated into their daily lives.

Discover the five reasons to integrate technology into curriculum:

1. Creates Meaningful Learning Experiences
   Since children are growing up in a digital world, it is important that technology integration is part of education. Students need learning experiences to be relevant. For this to occur, activities need to include the use of technology to acquire, demonstrate, apply, and communicate information.


2. Prepares Students for the Future
   In addition, educators have an obligation to prepare children adequately with the skills they need to be successful. It is important to realize that the workplace has dramatically transformed since the invention of the computer. Today, workers rely on computers to complete their job duties. Computers are needed to communicate with clients and coworkers, calculate data, analyze information, generate reports, and create publications. With the Internet, people are no longer tied to a physical location to complete their work. Instead, wireless technology can be used to check email, research information, and access files from a mobile device such as a laptop or cell phone. Children need the skills to thrive in this type of workplace.


3. Develops Essential Skills
   Although many children are competent users of technology, often their knowledge and skills are limited. They tend to use technology to play games, communicate with friends, and watch videos on the Internet. But not many spend their spare time discovering how to use a spreadsheet program to analyze graphs or master Python to code a game. Yet the critical career and life skills they will need are often the digital skills that they do not use or practice. Educators need to provide learning opportunities that have students expand their knowledge and skills to broaden their understanding of how technology can be used. TechnoKids projects integrate skills such as word processing, animation, programming, presentation skills, research, and online collaboration into curriculum.


4. Provides Fair and Equal Opportunities
   As well, it is important to acknowledge that although many children have technology skills, many do not. For example, not all children have a computer, Internet, and software at home. For this reason, education must provide equal access to technology resources and provide instruction to make sure ALL children have the skills they need to become productive members of society.


5. Promotes Digital Citizenship
   Moreover, it is essential to recognize that just because children possess some technology skills this does not mean they have a clear understanding of their ethical or safe use. Education plays an important role in having children become responsible participants in the digital world. To this end, educators must teach ethics and safety in relation to technology use.