Four Problems with Integration
...arents) are; • Will computers help create the type of students and citizens we seek? • Through what means can we achieve our desired ends? Heather Kirkpatrick and Larry Cuban answered these questions with the following responses; • Prior research is of no use in answering such questions, because what is needed is an evaluation of the fit between the existing mission of the school and how technology is used. • The answers found in the research are either inconclusive or indeterminable. After reviewing this article, I feel the first problem with integrating technology is lack of an understanding as to what all interested parties desire to accomplish by integration. There needs to be a consistent purpose agreed upon by all persons involved. A second drawback or problem is a lack of training for teachers that are expected to use the technology in their classroom. A common myth about technology in the classroom is that putting computers into schools will directly improve learning; more computers will result in greater improvements. Computers are powerful and flexible tools that can improve teaching and learning in countless ways. However, the value of a computer, like that of any tool, depends upon what purposes it serves and how well it is used. Another falsehood is the belief that once teachers learn the basics of using a computer they are ready to put the technology to effective use. The truth is that for technology to be used fully in K-12 schools, significant changes are required in teaching practices, curriculum, and classroom organization. These changes take place over years, not weeks or months, and requir...