Technology Integration Project. Jeff Wallace MED 8461 Dr. Huett

Who I Interviewed. I have a friend named Anthony Corolito that lives in Panama City Beach Florida who is owner and CEO of ParrotHeadPC. When asked to describe his role in Technology Integration he said. “As CEO of ParrotHeadPC, I have over a decade of experience working with both corporate clients and educational institutions, helping develop both hardware and software solutions to the ever-growing technological needs of today’s computer-oriented society.”

Format Using the questions supplied I conducted an email interview and will list the responses to the questions in the order they were asked.

Question Q1: How is technology affecting the learning process? A: “As technology continues to become not only more acceptable but perhaps more importantly more affordable, it is rapidly taking on an ever-growing role as a vital component in today’s education curricula.”

Question Q2: What is your definition of technological literacy? A: “Technological literacy is the ability of one to understand technology’s role in today’s society – both its function and its importance, as well as the recognition of its integration into varying aspects of everyday life. This understanding is not necessarily an indication of a prescribed skill set, but rather the “common sense” approach to its importance.” Integration

Question Q3: When you hear the phrase “technology integration” what does that mean to you? A: “Integration implies how todays’ technology is applied on a variety of levels into varying components of everyday life, from manufacturing to education, and countless endeavors in-between.”

Question Q4: How should technology be used in education? A: “First and foremost, technology in the classroom should be embraced, not feared. Once that is accomplished, its benefits are nearly endless, and will only assist in opening minds to a world of wonder where the human imagination is the driving force behind new discoveries, innovations, and concepts.” Technology

Question Q5: How do you identify the “key players” in the technology integration process and get them all to “buy into” what are you are trying to accomplish? A: “The key players in a particular situation can and do vary from project to project, but generally within this frame it has been my experience that demonstration in conjunction with well-spoken examples of how a particular strategy will benefit their individual needs has proven to be the most effective method.”

Question Q6: What principles should guide your approach for integrating technology into instruction? A: Realistic expectations are critical in this endeavor, since the fear of technology must be addressed as well. And, in addressing those fears, the Orwellian argument will more often than not need to be dispelled. Having done so (through the “we control the computers, not vice-versa” statement), one must be mindful that technology, though an incredibly useful tool, is not and cannot be construed as a cure for laziness, incompetence, or stupidity.

Question Q7: When can you expect technology to be effective? A: Immediately. Without question. Allocation of funding should be the only remaining barrier in any situation, and we as a society must make this a priority.

Question Q8: What are some obstacles you have encountered when trying to integrate technology? A: As mentioned above, the fear of technology overtaking the human element of any endeavor is ever present; whether it be fear of promoting laziness or a fear of personal rights violations, or worse. Through mindful discourse, I have found that these fears are more often than not quelled.

Question Q9: Do you have a technology integration success story? A: We have recently assisted a local parochial school in expanding their technological resources from a limited handful of select educators, to a building-wide environment which is accessible by every student and teacher in the facility. This was done with careful planning, and the assurance that the benefits to every student would be well worth the investment.

Question Q10: What makes the difference between successful technology integration and a failed attempt? A: A successful integration is one which allows the function of the institution to not only continue uninterrupted, but moreover to do so in a more efficient manner, with efficiency being defined not only in monetary terms, but perhaps more importantly in the long-term results that the technology will afford all involved. A failed attempt is one in which those goals are not meant, and the planned integration becomes an impedance rather than a benefit.

Question Q11: What should you do if you are not convinced you can integrate technology successfully into your instruction? A: Seeking outside opinions and/or assistance is often vital in technological integration, since each endeavor presents a new set of challenges which must be met in order for the integration to be seamless. If, after further consultation, there remain obstacles that prohibit the smooth implementation of any aspect of a plan, then full disclosure to the client is imperative, and discussions about proceeding with any or all of the project must be had, with the pros and cons of the entire project and its problematic areas laid out on the table. Only after such discourse, can a reasonable decision be reached.

Conclusion Even though Anthony was over my head with his expertise, I learned a lot from this interview. For one I had never heard of the Orwellian Argument which basically says things should be kept simple and clear. Overall my take on my interview was that regardless if it is the business or educational sector, before someone is going to hand you money you better be able to tell them how they will benefit.