Journal 2

Infusion or Integration by Kimberley Ketterer (Sept./Oct. 2007, Learning and Leading with Technology, p.17).

This was an interesting article! The main gist of the article was to dispel common misconceptions held by educators about the role and difference of infusion and integration into the classroom. The ultimate question, after the distinction between the two terms was whether you could have one term without the other or if both required. To be clear, infusion was describe as the acquisition and accessibility of hardware and software for teachers and students. Included in this term was the usage of computers for composition and revision, LCD projectors for large lectures, use of document cameras to share 3D objects, MP3 Players, DVD players. Integration, on the other had involves the appropriate selection and usage of technology as a tool for learning and teaching in the classroom. In this realm of teaching, the foci becomes active learning with the technology sample, and includes multimedia presentations, viewing downloaded video clips, using document camera to highlight select activity or demonstration, and listening to a story on MP3 player. It is not possible to have Integration without infusion, as technology access is essential to the integration process.

1. Before this article, what did I view my adoption of technology in the classroom; infusion or integration?

I commonly use integration as the technology “buzz” word, and find that I am misusing it, to a certain extent. Although I use a Tablet PC daily to facilitate a large group lecture, it does incorporate photos and video at times. I am now working on sound and look forward to posting recorded videos of demonstrations performed in class, tutorials in chemistry, on-line simulation sites for studied topics and on-line homework.

2. When three of my colleagues were polled, what did they feel we did at City College, infusion or integration? The response was split for the two chemists, while the physicist thought he used integration. After explaining Mr. Ketterer’s definition, most of my colleagues rated themselves infusers, as some used computers and LCD projectors to present their lesson, which the physicist revised his answer to mainly categorize himself as an infuser who dabbles in integration when using his probe-ware. :(