HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

The history of educational technology integration in K-12 education began in the 1980s and 1990s with the introduction of computers into classrooms, focusing on basic computer literacy and subject-specific software for areas like math and typing. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the arrival of the internet and multimedia resources further expanded educational possibilities, characterized by the use of educational CD-ROMs and early internet research tools (Purdue Online, 2024). The early 2000s marked the rise of e-learning platforms and the experimentation with blended learning models, combining traditional teaching with online resources. This period also saw the creation of “smart classrooms” equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and other digital tools.

The 2010s brought advancements in AI and machine learning, leading to the development of adaptive learning technologies that personalize educational content based on individual student performance (Purdue Online, 2024). The proliferation of smartphones and tablets facilitated mobile learning solutions and bringing your own device policies. The late 2010s and early 2020s experienced a significant boom in the EdTech industry, driven by venture capital investments and innovative educational tools. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced a rapid shift to remote learning, highlighting both the potential and challenges of digital technologies, including issues of access, equity, and effective use (Purdue Online, 2024).

CAUSES OF MISALIGNMENT

The causes of the misalignment between digital technologies and pedagogical decision-making in K-12 education are multifaceted. Rapid technological advancements often outpace the ability of educators and institutions to effectively implement and integrate these tools into their teaching, leading to a gap where technology is used without clear pedagogical strategies (Flewelling, 2023). Schools and educators frequently feel pressured to adopt the latest technologies to stay current with trends, sometimes without fully understanding their pedagogical applications. Additionally, there is a significant lack of professional development, with many educators not receiving adequate training on how to meaningfully integrate digital technologies into their teaching (Herold, 2016). The available training often focuses more on the technical use of tools rather than on how to integrate them into effective teaching practices. Socioeconomic disparities also play a major role, as access to technology varies widely among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, creating a digital divide that obstructs equitable use of educational technologies (Higgins, 2012). Schools in lower-income areas often face funding gaps, preventing them from investing in the latest technologies or providing necessary teacher training. Furthermore, the ineffective use of digital technologies for assessments can turn these tools into barriers to student engagement and participation, causing teachers to back away from incorporating digital assessments due to concerns over their effectiveness and appropriateness.

REFERENCES

Ari Flewelling. (2023, July 10). Support K–12 technology integration with professional development. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2024/02/support-k-12-technology-integration-professional- development#:~:text=Engaging%2C%20consistent%20professional%20development%20will,learning%20environments%20for%20all%20students.

Herold, B. (2016, February 5). Technology in Education An Overview. EducationWeek. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/technology/technology-in-education-an-overview/2016/02

Higgins, S., Xiao, Z., & Katsipataki, M. (2012). The Impact of Digital Technology on Learning: A Summary for the Education Endowment Foundation. Full Report. In Education Endowment Foundation. Education Endowment Foundation.

Purdue Online. (2024). The evolution of technology in the classroom. Purdue University Online. https://online.purdue.edu/blog/education/evolution-technology-classroom