Technological Assimilation

 

Technology integration not only involves the inclusion of technical artefacts but also includes theories about technology integration and the application of research findings to promote teaching. The scope of technology integration is examined with a view of showing its relationship with pedagogy. Technology integration is complex and is made up of processes of interconnected activities.

Technology in education is commonly defined as a technical device used to enhance instruction. This definition does not take into consideration the pedagogical principles upon which the application of various technologies into educational inquiry are based.

It does not connect instructional technology with the learning objectives, learning style and pace of learning, assessment and evaluation strategies, including follow-up procedures. This implies that teachers should develop strategies to motivate students to keep them focused as the instruction progresses.

 Instructional technology in broad spectrum helps educators, especially inexperienced teachers, understand the pedagogical issues to be considered when using technology to enhance the process of teaching. The teacher should be able to assess the appropriateness of any technology used for teaching and learning in relation to specific instruction.

Educational technology is an object that can be used and detached at any time is a false assumption because educational technology is not applied in a vacuum. In teaching and learning, technology should be applied as a process rather than as a single, isolated and discrete activity.

A major part of the problem related to technology integration is that most educators have not addressed the pedagogical principles that will guide their use of technology for teaching and learning. The process of exploring the relationship between technology in education and pedagogy will encourage critical thinking on the part of teachers as they practice technology integration.

Poor implementation of technology integration is likely to affect the desired outcome. It is important that educators perceive technology in education as part of the pedagogical process. It is necessary that teachers understand the pedagogical principles that govern the application of technology into teaching and learning.

Reference:

The Pedagogy of Technology Integration

Mabel CPO Okojie, Anthony A. Olinzock, and Tinukwa C. Okojie-Boulder

The Journal of Technology Studies