Integration

What do you mean by the term "integration of the computer into the curriculum"?
It's the opposite of segregation.
Technology is a tool and resource that should be used as the learning need dictates.
Technology is simply a tool and resource. The focus should be on the learning, not on the technology. As such, technology integration involves identifying those situations where students and teachers will benefit from using technology as a tool or resource for information, instruction, or creative projects.
 
Technology integration varies with the particular activity. Technology should be transparent and interwoven like the voice, pencil, and books.
 
Classroom Integration
 
Some activities require ongoing use of technology. For example, students might trace weather patterns each day or check the latest news stories on the Internet. Some classrooms use software such as Inspiration as they read a book to keep a visual record of the relationship between characters.
 
Other activities might require regular use such as writing projects or data collection activities. Many classrooms use technology as a regular part of their reading or mathematics curriculum. The Math Forum provides weekly mathematics problems.
 
Some activities are project based and require technology in particular components.
 
Often technology is used at the teachable moment when students need information about a comet they've heard is coming or an author of a book they've been reading. If a student has just gotten a new dog, check out Digital Dog or another pet site for background information on new pets.
 
Student Use
 
There are many ways that students can use technology in the classroom.
 
Information. Students can use technology to access and process information. For example, if they are reading a book by a particular author, they can use the Internet to find more information on that person such as Stephen King.
 
Instruction. Technology can provide quality instruction including tutorials, practice environments, and simulations. For example, Thinking Things is a software series by Edmark that focuses on thinking skills. TheThinking Things: Science focuses on simple science concepts.
 
Creation. Students enjoy producing all kinds of projects. Productivity and creativity tools can help students build effective projects. Tools such as Tom Snyder's Timeliner provide the resources needed to organize and present information.
 
Collaboration. The ability to work together is an important skill. Technology can help students by providing an environment for joint efforts. For example, with a word processor it's easy to work collaboratively on a writing project.
 
Communication. With Internet, communication is now global. Students can interact with experts from around the world, communicate with children their own age, or talk with a class in a different part of the world.
 
Teacher Use
 
There are many ways that teachers can use technology in the classroom.
 
Classroom Management. Many classroom management tools are available for teachers including gradebooks, portfolio builders, and test makers.
 
Instructional Development. Endless lesson and unit plans can be found on the Internet. Start with the general lesson planning sites such as Encarta's Schoolhouse. Next, look for subject area sites such as the Language Arts page.
 
Professional Development. It's often difficult to find time for personal and professional development activities. If you're developing a project, use the Internet to locate clipart. Find professional organizations at Ed Week. If you're looking for discussion groups or listserves, start at Liszt. The Virtual Reference Desk can help you in answering any type of question.
 
Integration
What do you mean by the term "integration of the computer into the curriculum"?
 

Do It!
 
Create a "day in the life" of an integrated curriculum. Focus on a: student, teacher, class.