Journal # 2

“Infusion or Integration” by Kimberly Ketterer

The article by Kimberly Ketterer addresses the idea of infusion and integration. Educators, schools districts, students use these two words interchangeably without thinking about the different meanings. The question she asked is, are schools integrating technology or infusing technology? What is the difference and is this really something knew? Ketterer goes on to explain and define the difference between infusion and integration both historically and what the current use is. Infusion is the introduction of something new. Historical examples include pencils and pens, ditto machines and movie projectors. Current examples include copy machines, computers for writing and editing, and DVD player, just to name a few. Integration is the intermixing of people or items previously segregated. The Ed. Tech definition is important because it spells out the use of new items to enhance learning and teaching in the classroom. Historical examples include watching a film about a scientific method or listening to a storey on tape. Current uses are watching a downloaded video clip of a scientific method or listening to a storey downloaded to a MP3 player. Ketterer points out that infusion and integration of technology have been going on for a long time. She also points out that once infusion takes place it is vitally important for the integration of that technology to expand and improve learning. Technologies role in the classroom must be to help and support students in the learning process. This helping and supporting role is the difference between infusion and integration.

Questions.

1. How do we decide what technology should be used in schools with limited or very small budgets.
Students who can’t read or comprehend at grade level should be a prime target area. The money should be spent for technology to help students with the ability and hopefully an enjoyment of reading.

2. How will I better acquaint myself with the integration of technology in my classroom?
As a classroom teacher it is vitally important to stay current on what works and how to use new ideas in technology. To keep abreast of the new teaching that technology brings I will attend workshops, read ISTE and other sources as well as collaborate with other professionals in the field.