Role of teachers in integrating technology in the classroom

Abstract

Technology has an important influence on the way many people learn today and has certain benefits. The aim of the paper is to show that only existence of new technologies and equipment isn’t sufficient for successful learning process and developing transferrable skills of learners. A number of factors are involved in determining whether and how technology should be integrated into the classroom and how likely it is to impact positively on learner motivation Among them are digital storytelling using Animoto and Kaltura, also using technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, Learning Management System(LMS), online apps such as kahoot, quizlet, mentimeter, padlet and others. However, successful, motivating use of technology depends on teachers and learners knowing how to realize its affordances. In this paper I used descriptive, qualitative method and resulted in that, teachers need to act as a learner, a leader, a citizen, a collaborator, a designer, a facilitator and an analyst to use technology productively in teaching process.  As for learners, they need to know the following skills: Identifying learning needs; Setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time- bound) goals; Planning learning; Selecting Resources; Practice;  Monitoring process; Assessment and revision(Reinders, 2010).So, support for teachers and learners is at the heart of realizing the potential benefits of technology for motivation and learning.