What is technology? What is integration?

Technology is a broad word that encompasses just about any tool created by people for a specific purpose or purposes. Here's a really, really overinformative definition of the term. Technically, any teacher that writes on a chalkboard, makes a photocopy, uses a pencil, or asks a student to read something is using technology in his or her instruction.

But when teachers usually talk about technology, expecially lately, they're talking about computers and related technologies like the Internet. I'm assuming that you are curious about how to successfully integrate computers and other new technologies into your instruction. Today, we're going to use some technology to begin thinking about and discussing how to successfully integrate technology into your instruction.

One more thing -- what does "integrate" mean? Are you successfully integrating technology if you teach your students how to use Powerpoint? How about if you podcast with them? Or, are you successfully integrating technology if you're using the tools of technology to help you teach the skills and standards that the state of Colorado asks you to consider?
David Warlick, a teacher and educational consultant, wrote recently that:

The bottom line is that teachers should learn to teach themselves within a networked, digital, and overwhelming information environment. Part of discussing their findings and conclusions during the class sessions, would be discussion the strategies that the students used to find the information and to validate and relvate them (new verb).

Several comments and two more posts followed on what the essential information preservice teachers should have in regards to technology. Feel free to follow the links and read more. Heck, join the conversation -- what would you like to know about teaching and technology? Ask David or post a comment to this entry. Better yet, head on over to the chat room and let's hash out your thoughts.