Technology Integration 101 – Understanding Changing Pedagogy and the Realities of the Classroom

To reach the greatest number of educators with the WELES model, the model includes both traditional and contemporary teaching methods. Traditional teaching methods include the Present, Guide, and Active learning methods in which the educator is in more direct control, reflective of a behavioristic and cognitive pedagogy. The contemporary teaching methods include the Role playing, Problem-Based and Collaborative learning methods which suggest that the educator plays less of a direct role, as reflective of a more constructivistic pedagogy.

While not represented in the figure, WELES also provides advice to educators that takes into consideration different computer/Internet access configurations in the learning environment. For example, if the educator has limited access, such as at home or in administrative area, there are ways to prepare to use technology-based resources or ideas effectively in the classroom. Primarily, the educators uses the resource as a planning tool for a vast number of lesson plans and resources that could be printed and brought into the classroom. Of course, for those who have lab access, one computer with or without a display panel, multiple configurations directly in the classroom, there are more options for Internet integration.

In the next section we will look at how theory informs the use of the model.