Integrate Technology in Your Classroom with Some Help from the TIM

Where does your classroom fall on the Technology Integration Matrix?

Technology is a vital component of the modern day classroom — obviously.

It isn’t simply that technology helps your students learn content better (although it does). By using technology in your classroom, students can be exposed to a variety of experiences and skills that will be useful to them as they progress through future grades.

If you’re feeling unsure of where to begin, you’re not alone. Many teachers are unsure how to integrate technology into their classroom.

A good place to start is the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM). This matrix provides easy-to-use guidelines for integrating technology into your instruction.

This grid is based upon the assumption that every classroom varies in two important ways when selecting technology: how teachers use technology, and how students use technology.

Teachers + Technology

First, the TIM assumes that a teacher’s ability and desire to integrate technology varies.

Starts: Teachers simply use technology to deliver a lesson.

Ends: Teachers seek to cultivate a rich learning environment where multiple technology tools are used for student-initiated projects and discussions.

If the latter of these sounds daunting to you, you might belong closer to the “entry” end of the spectrum.

Students + Technology

The TIM also assumes that your students’ ability to use technology varies.

Starts: Students are actively engaged with activities where technology is used.

Ends: Students use technology to research data, set goals, and evaluate results.

Ready to integrate technology in your classroom? The lesson plans in this grid can help you get started today — no matter the grade level and regardless of where your class falls on the TIM.