To begin with, let’s define the two terms. IT stands for informational technology and is defined as: “Information Technology,” and is pronounced “I.T.” It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies.
TI stands for Technology Integration and is defined by ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education as: “Curriculum integration with the use of technology involves the infusion of technology as a tool to enhance the learning in a content area or multidisciplinary setting… Effective integration of technology is achieved when students are able to select technology tools to help them obtain information in a timely manner, analyze and synthesize the information, and present it professionally. The technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions — as accessible as all other classroom tools. The focus in each lesson or unit is the curriculum outcome, not the technology”.
At this point you may be wondering where I’m going with this. Let’s not forget the other word in the title (versus). Let’s ponder if this could be a true statement. As a retired teacher of twenty five years, having listened to many teachers at conferences and other meetings, in the minds of many teachers, this title statement would be true. When the network and/or computers have problems teachers back off of integrating technology into their classroom and go back to the tried and true method that always works in education, the pencil and paper. Or even if teachers do use technology, they use it like Alan November states: “Too many exercises in education make computers the equivalent of thousand-dollar pencils”. Unfortunately, it’s the students that lose in this proposition. Let’s take a look at a video that reinforces that idea.
So what we’re dealing with is a perception, and all too often a frustration, not reality. IT and TI must work together hand in hand. It’s a collaborative effort that requires an understanding that neither one is ahead of the other, but equally important at all times. When approaching a school’s needs, it shouldn’t be about what equipment needs are important first, but what’s the best way for learning, student engagement, and understanding to take place everyday in the learning environment. That requires an arm-in-arm approach for IT and TI, think about it.