Journal 2: "Grounded Tech Integration"

Harris, J., & Hofer M. (2009). Grounded Tech Integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 15, 2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24179&DirectListComboInd=D


In this article, Harris and Hofer mainly focused on a better and more effective approach to pedagogy and technology integration with curriculum. The main concern was that technological integration wasn't providing the most effective learning outcome. According to Seymor Papert, tech integration was becoming "technocentric". The lesson became more about learning how to use the technology rather than using it to learn. The article also focused on the proper approach to teacher planning and how to organize activity types into lessons, projects, units, and other activities that would enable the children to optimize class time and effectively learn. Harris and Hofer introduced the "Eight corresponding continua" to enable teachers to best analyze their classrooms in a way to each and every students' advantage. The Grounded approach deviates from the linear views of instructional planning to make the best most effective curriculum-based plan.


Why are the "eight corresponding continua" important to consider in teacher planning?

It is very important to consider the eight corresponding continua in teacher planning and pedagogy because rather than just relying on linear planning, the eight corresponding continua helps the teacher analyze the classroom for the benefit of each individual student and optimizes the learning experience.


Is integrating technology really more effective towards the end rather than beginning?

I think integrating technology towards the end is a better idea rather than introducing it in the beginning. Papert had a point that the lessons became more "technocentric" rather than learning based. It is very important to make sure that integrating technology enhances the learning experience rather than make it more confusing or slow it down.