“To be productive contributors to society in our 21st century, you need to be able to quickly learn the core content of a field of knowledge while also mastering a broad portfolio of essentials in learning, innovation, technology, and careers skills needed for work and life” (Trilling & Fadel, 2009.)

There is much talk in the education field about 21st Century Skills. These are the skills that modern students should have when they leave school and head out into the work force, (see table below). Technology integration does not only mean being able to use various technologies, but being able to use technologies effectively. There are many technologies available to educators, although not all of these are effective. In order to be effective the technology must be meaningful and enhance the educational experience of the student. Some technologies can detract from the learning experience and others may be innovative and entertaining but serve no specific educational puprose. My goal as an educator is to be a good consumer of educational technologies and to incorporate effective educational tools that will enhance the learning experience of my students.

The following goals were met under the Technology Integration theme:


Students will be leaders in educational technology.
Students will be current in teaching and learning processes and practices.
Students will be knowledgeable of technologies and programming skills.
Students will be knowledgeable of current, technology-based educational tools and products.

The following objectives were met under the Technology Integration theme:


Students will demonstrate proficiency in teaching and assessing others in the use of computers and related technologies in a variety of educational settings.
Students will be aware of current trends and issues in computer education, distance education, electronic communications, computer hardware and software.
Students will be proficient in the use and application of computer software.
Students will be proficient with a programming language.
Students will use telecommunications-based tools to integrate information into the classroom and the curriculum.
Students will integrate computer software, authoring tools, programming languages, the Internet, and multimedia into curriculum design and instruction.
Students will demonstrate proficiency using computers and related technologies in instruction.

Completed courses that relate to this theme include:


CET 756 Introduction to Instructional Programming
CET 726 Technology in Curriculum
LT 731 Multimedia Production
LT 741 Introduction to Distance Education


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