Integrating Technology into the Curriculum

Technology is changing our lives, influencing every aspect of human life (Ratheeswari,

2018). Education has not been immune to this transformation. According to Smith et al.

(2013), technology has allowed teachers to enhance curriculum design, blending educational

design with information management, market research, marketing, quality enhancement,

quality assurance, and program approval.

"The Culture of Technology" by Pacey (1983) acknowledges the conflicting attitudes toward

various technologies, highlighting that there are both positive and negative aspects to

integrating technology into education.

Pros

Contextual Learning:

The advent of technology has significantly altered the information landscape, shaping how

we teach. Starr (2016) notes that technology integration can improve daily routines, offering

numerous activities and websites for educators to enhance their teaching methods. It enables

students to self-educate from various sources, fostering a dynamic learning environment

(Prensky, 2008).

In STEM education, technology has proven invaluable in overcoming challenges such as

visualizing abstract concepts like atoms or the galaxy. The internet provides access to real

images and computer graphics, enriching the learning experience.

Communication Improvement:

Communication technology has revolutionized how teachers, parents, and students interact.

Ratheswari (2018) points out that information communication technology has streamlined

communication, altering the workload and methods of communication within educational

institutions. Homework assignments are distributed and submitted through platforms like

Google Classroom, reducing reliance on traditional paper-based methods (Iftakhar, 2016).

The rapid development of technology has compelled changes in STEM education. For

instance, Japan, recognizing the importance of technology skills, introduced Information and

Programming classes in primary schools (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and

Technology [MEXT], n.d.).

Cons

Access Disparities:

Despite technological advancements, not all students have equal access to devices like

computers, tablets, or smartphones at home. This digital divide can result in educational

inequalities. Efforts are needed to address this gap and ensure that technology is accessible to

all students.

Unschooling Challenges:

The rise of unschooling, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, poses both challenges

and benefits. While technology facilitates education for families who opt for unschooling due

to economic or geographic hurdles, it may also limit traditional opportunities for socialization

and physical interaction that schools provide.

Legitimacy and Validity Concerns:

The abundance of information available on the internet raises concerns about the legitimacy

and validity of the content. Teachers may resist the idea of technology taking over the

curriculum, as the accuracy of information accessed by students online may vary (Kemp et

al., 2014).
Teachers' Role in Technology Integration:

Despite the evident benefits and challenges, many teachers resist being taught to use

technology. This resistance can be understood, as the focus should not be on teachers using

technology to teach but on students using it as tools for self-directed learning. The teacher's

role, as argued by proponents, should be intellectual rather than technological. Teachers

provide students with context, ensure quality assurance, and offer individualized assistance.

This perspective emphasizes that technology should be a means for students to teach

themselves under the guidance of teachers, who play a crucial role in facilitating and

enriching the learning experience.

Conclusion:

The dynamic development of technology signifies progress, and its integration into education

is essential. Acknowledging the cons and challenges, it's crucial to strike a balance.

Technology should be viewed not as a replacement for teachers but as a tool to empower

students in their educational journey. As the educational landscape continues to evolve,

adapting to technological advancements is necessary, with a focus on inclusive practices and

continuous improvement in teaching methodologies.

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to 232 families who have chosen that route. Journal of Unschooling & Alternative

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content/uploads/2016/03/KC3_35.pdf

• Kemp, A. T., Preston, J., Page, C. S., Harper, R., Dillard, B., Flynn, J., & Yamaguchi,

M. (2014). Technology and teaching: A conversation among faculty regarding the

pros and cons of technology. Qualitative Report, 19(6).

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1043545.pdf

• Starr, L. (2016, May 10). Integrating Technology in the Classroom: It Takes More

Than Just Having Computers. Education World.

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• Smith, R., Killen, C., & Knight, S. (2013, September 9). Using technology to improve

curriculum design. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26214214/

• Pacey, A. (1983). The culture of technology.

https://www.fulcrum.org/concern/monographs/b5644r712