Technology integration means different things to different people. When I was in college, we got credit for 'technology integration' (the latest buzzword at the time) if we used an overhead projector. I don't know any administrator these days that would consider an overhead projector 'technology' - we can't even find bulbs for them anymore!
To most, technology integration brings to mind a roomful of students all with heads down buried in some task on a laptop. While that certainly can be 'integrating technology', there's more to it than that.
For the sake of this series, we're going to define technology integration as using a computer as a tool in meeting lesson objectives. That doesn't only mean the students are using a computer - as a teacher, you are integrating technology if you are using a computer also.
I believe the word 'computer' is the lynchpin. To today's administrators, if there's not a computer in the mix, it's not technology integration. And using the computer to keep your grades doesn't count. That's not meeting lesson objectives - that's meeting administrative objectives. Technology integration happens when you, as the teacher, take the lesson objectives you already have, and find a way to meet them with the aid of a computer. The computer is a tool - not the goal. Again: The objectives of the lesson are the goal.
Many teachers say, "What I do works for my kids. Why should I 'integrate technology' if I'm already meeting the objectives?"
There's two answers to that question. First of all, for many teachers today, it's part of your job description. If so, the first answer is: You don't have a choice.
The second answer, and the one I personally like better, is "You don't have to." You can meet lesson objectives without using technology - we've done that for years! But to not consider that there could be other ways to do so - ways that could enliven your teaching, re-engage your students, and excite parents about sending kids to your class - to not even consider those options could be robbing you and your students of some great opportunities.
A few years ago, in our district, the administration offered each teacher a laptop; some took the offer, a few did not. I especially encouraged one teacher to do so. She was hesitant; but she gave in to my advice. Now she has a digital projector, a Smartboard, and uses her laptop daily, and she loves it. Some people just need a little encouragement. Here's yours: keep reading through this series, and see what ideas spark in your mind.