ICT integration in teaching and learning

ICT integration

ICT integration is a means of using technology in another situation to promote efficiency and working condition of it. It is being integrated into the field of teaching and learning in the classroom. This helps the teacher to deliver the lesson effectively and smoothly to the children. On the other hand, students learn better with fun and enthusiasm. Moreover, it caters to the needs of a diversity of children in the class. Hence, the quality of education improves drastically with the help of ICT integration in the school.

There are three different levels of ICT integration teacher can use with the student. The first level or basic level of ICT integration is a process of using technology just to substitute the delivery of the lesson. It is also stated that teaching using technology is more effective than not using it. This level of integration is prevalent in our classroom especially during the presentation as projector and laptop are used just to substitute chalk and green board.

The second level or middle level of ICT integration states, "Technology is purposefully used to promote and support learning in the classroom especially the key points." For instance, software is used to promote learning. As a teacher who is supposed to teach at primary level, I can use any software to promote students learning such as improving pronunciation and vocabulary through different apps. 

The third level or higher level of ICT integration states, "Technology is used by students to help them through a variety of important learning processes." This level of ICT integration is best for enhanced learning for the children. 

The SAMR and TPACT models are two types of ICT integration in the classroom for teaching and learning.

SAMR model is designed to help educators infuse technology into teaching and learning. There are 4 degrees of ICT integration in the SAMR model. They are Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition. The first degree of the SAMR model is a substitution and it is a direct substitution of technology. The second degree of the SAMR model is Augmentation and it is about substituting technology in the teaching and learning with functional improvement. The third degree of the SAMR  model talks about technology integration that allows for significant changes in task design in the classroom. The final degree of the SAMR model is a redefinition and it is about the creation of a new task with better design through integration of ICT otherwise it is inconceivable. These are the four degrees of ICT integration in the SAMR model. We are clear that the degree of Redefinition is best followed by Modification, Augmentation and Substitution.

We have another model called TPACT model. It is a framework to understand and describe the kind of knowledge needed by a teacher for effective pedagogical practice in a technology-enhanced learning environment. This model requires understanding plus negotiation among pedagogy, technology and content of the particular subject for effective integration of technology in the classroom. As a result, we understand the importance of well-rounded understanding of pedagogy, technology and content to create an effective learning environment of the children. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F3ZmW5BAomjf7T29GlHOsdcpCinK4Ajm/view?usp=drivesdk

There are differences between these two models. The SAMR model is developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura and this model focus on incorporation technology into the classroom and less on content knowledge vs. Pedagogy. On the other hand, TPACT model was developed by Punya Mishra and Matthew J. Koehler. This model focus on the importance of a well-rounded understanding of pedagogy, technology and content. In conclusion, both models are geared towards creating an effective learning environment in the classroom with the help of technology. I encourage my dear respected teachers and near friends to integrate technology while teaching and learning sessions. If you do, learners learn with fun and acquire knowledge far better than neglecting technology. I wish everyone could integrate technology for betterment.

Thank you