Working Definition of Technology Integration

Before discussing exactly what I believe technology integration is, I will first mention what it is not. Technology integration is not using any and all available technology just for technology’s sake; there must be a purpose or reason behind the use of the technology in the classroom. Students don’t need to come to my English class to learn how to use a new piece of technology, but they need to learn how that technology can better help them in English class. Many teachers at my school are afraid to use a program or website the students have never used before because they think it will take too much time away from their curriculum to teach the students how to use the program. Sure, my class is English, not computer class, but if I teach them how to use say Movie Maker at the beginning of the semester, then we can use it several times over the course of the semester. Only the first time will require extra instruction. But, I'm not using Movie Maker just so my students will know how to use that program. I am using it because I think it enhances the standards that I am trying to teach. That program, and the movies they can produce using it, serves to get the students more interested in world literature, and that is a good thing.
Based on this, I believe that technology integration is utilizing available technologies to better teach the required material and make a connection to the “real world.” Available technologies can be many things from the traditional paper and pencil technology of the past to the newest, latest invention, and in my case, the required material is found in the Georgia Performance Standards for high school English. Technology integration for my classroom involves using the technology that I have available to better teach those English standards and prepare my students for the Georgia High School Graduation Test and End-of-Course Tests and eventually, life after high school. It is unfortunate that everything I teach must be looked at through the lens of "Do my students need this for _____ test?" but that is the reality of today's educational system. Why not utilize technology to help the students become more successful on those dreaded tests? Then, they might not be so dreaded.