Integrating Educational Technology and Learning

Integrating Educational Technology and Learning
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Introduction
Blended learning has gained interest in education circles, but there are different philosophies on the success of the blended approach. Blended learning fuses face–to- face and online learning, to improve learning by utilizing the strengths of both approaches (VanDerLinden, 2014). Blended learning has the ability to allow students to learn at their own pace, but there is no guarantee that the approach will be successful. There is a need to design blended learning in line with the goals of teaching, after having already identified the problems. Intrinsic motivation is vital to the success of differ teaching and learning approaches highlighting that understanding what learns want to achieve is necessary. Additionally, integrating the technology is aligned with desired outcome for students/ learners and the teachers/ instructors. In any case, the physical environment can either be an enabler or deterrent to adopting technology in blended learning, with customization better suited to improve learning when adopting technologies. This paper highlights the integration mobile, video and game technology in a high school as well as the strengths and challenges of each option.
Technology and education
Technology integration relates to using technology resources in the classroom, including computers, mobile devices, tablets, digital cameras as well as social networks. However, for the integration to be successful, the technology needs be accessible and available when required. Since the technology can support the curricula goals, teachers can rely on specific technologies to enable learners reach their goals. This is especially when there is seamless integration of technology with the learning process, given that learners are better motivated to learn in such an environment. In any case, technology is most beneficial when it enriches the learning experience, but the technology tools also need to be suited to the purpose of learning.
Description of the school
Blended learning focusing on the collaboration was carried out in high school. The blended approach highlighting on integrating technology with traditional teaching gives the students a platform to improve learning. The teachers’ involvement is vital to the success of this venture. Even though, there are limited resources, the technology-driven learning approaches can motivate learners. Since there is a computer lab, mobile devices, video and games are all integrated into the learning environment. However there is no guarantee that education technology always yields the expected positive results (Spector, 2013)
Mobile devices
Even before there is the integration of technology in learning, the classroom design enhances learning when there is an emphasis on the student’s priorities (Rogers, 2005). Mobile technology and handheld devices are increasingly a source of information for students, because of ease and convenience in using the technology. Wireless networks facilitate networking for both computers and mobile devices. It is easier accommodating mobile devices and p laptops in the classroom, compared to personal computers, since there is also...