Technology Integration Introduction

The use of instructional technology has evolved over the last two decades. Initially, instructional technology had two uses: learning about computers and using computers to increase basic skills. Learning about computers morphed into computer literacy, which is typically defined as the history, terminology and background of computing, using computing tools, programming, as well as ethical and social uses of computing. Using computers to increase basic skills relied upon technology that was robust for the time, incorporating a management system and drill-and-practice programs.

Each of these uses required a separate computer lab, often staffed with a certified teacher or a teacher's aide. While both purposes put computing into the schools, they may have ultimately militated against integration. By isolating computers in a single room and having only one person responsible for use of the technology, kids may have had some access, but the teachers had none. Without access to the technology, teachers were unable to learn about it for themselves, and they certainly were unable to use it with their students.

As pioneer teachers began using technology in exciting ways and more technology was being purchased, additional teachers became exposed to technology. Then along came the Internet, E-Rate, more software and some tangible positive results of students using technology. This changed the rallying cry from training students how to use computers a la computer literacy to integrating technology throughout teaching and learning. But the pressure did not just come from computer-using teachers and technology advocates, it also came from parents and students.

Technology integration moved from the rallying cry of parents, students and technology coordinators to public policy with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which requires state applications for education technology funds to contain "a description of how the State Education Agency will ensure ongoing integration of technology into school curricula and instructional strategies in all schools, so that technology will be fully integrated into curricula and instruction by Dec. 31, 2006." And states are addressing the requirement in different ways. Approaches range from a reasonably straightforward certification from districts to extensive state-level evaluations. The flexibility within NCLB allows states to determine their own method for responding to the requirement, but also makes implementation more difficult due to resource allocations and the lack of a specific mandate from the federal government. The articles in this section and online offer a few examples of the approaches states are taking to ensure technology integration by 2006.

Featured

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Introduces Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has launched a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • robot waving

    Copilot Updates Aim to Personalize AI

    Microsoft has introduced a range of updates to its Copilot platform, marking a new phase in its effort to deliver what it calls a "true AI companion" that adapts to individual users' needs, preferences and routines.