Optimal Pathways for Technology Integration Towards Blended Learning: Case Study of a Non-Traditional School in Illinois, United States

Educational Technology

Students have always been seeking more advanced educational tools (Sasseville and Sasseville, 2004) and several authors attest to a blended approach being the most effective teaching model (Alonso et al, 2005). Technology has advanced at a rapid pace, however, educational technology evolves at a slightly different pace in our daily lives (Saettler, 2004). The Association for Educational Communication and Technology defines educational technology as “the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources (Kurt, 2017). Utilizing technology to facilitate learning and improving performance presents a challenge to many schools as the pace of change in technology is so rapid. This has become particularly relevant with the pandemic, and the issue faced by many schools is how to integrate technology in a way that utilizes and builds upon existing resources within the school while attempting to deliver education utilizing 21^st century skills.

Technology Utilization in Education

Schools may understand the importance of technology and how it can play a vital role in student academic growth. However, O'Neil, Gibson, and Cotten (2017) argue that teachers may need more guidance on integrating 21^st-century skills into the classroom. Additionally, a teacher's experience with technology is seen to significantly influence technology integration in the classroom (Liu et al, 2017). Therefore, if educators or administrators attempt to integrate technology without adjusting current models, technology integration is likely to produce an insubstantial and negative result in the educational environment.

Across the globe, technology has become more commonplace in educational settings. Particularly, educators are utilizing technology to positively impact student academic performance and to engage learners throughout classroom activities (Torres & Statti, 2019). Understanding the environment that the technology will be utilized is a crucial first step in identifying the necessary and appropriate step to implementation. Technology ushers in fundamental changes that are integral to achieving improvements in productivity and overall student success. When properly integrated, it can effectively support both teachers and students by infusing classrooms with digital learning tools (Charak, Zaware, & Pawar, 2017).