Class discussions have been very insightful. Today we focused on the "Techonology Integrationist" and the article by Zhao and Pugh. First, the technology integrationist are "teachers who have the ability to understand, consider, and choose to use technologies only when they uniquely enhance the curriculum, instruction, and students' learning" (CI 5344, Lecture Notes, Summer 2006). Technology integrationists propose a framework to help teachers understand what kinds of knowledge they are using. This should be used as a self-assessment to adapt and adjust various instructional strategies to maximize learning. The framework poses three different knowledges: Pedagogical Knowledge, Content Knowledge, and Technology Knowledge. These knowledges are connected and can be interrelated. The extent of importance in utilizing all three knowledges at the same time was questioned. The challenges faculty face with these knowledges was discussed. How do we get teachers to learn more knowledge? One problem with Pedagogical Knowledge is the difficulty for teachers to change their ingrained beliefs and practices. To attempt changing these we should create cognitive conflict. Cognitive conflict is created when new knowledge is presented and the teacher reflects and recognizes, particularly the differences, perhaps resulting in changing and conforming to the new information to resolve this imbalance. As well, another problem with technology integration among "traditional" teachers is they are often uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Perhaps this is importan for a knowledgeable person or leader in technology to assist them until they feel comfortable with technology. By the end of class we came to a question that can be terrifying and needs active teachers to ensure there is a positive outcome. The question: Are we preparing our students for the 21st century? I would like to optimistically answer, "yes." However, I feel overall there are numerous things that the community, adminstrators, and educators need to take responsibility for and improve on so we can confidently answer this question. Regardless of how strong we feel about this topic, regardless of the position taken, in years from now we will see how well our students were prepared to lead the nation. Personally I feel we need to integrate technology, civic values, life skills, and further critical thinking skills and expectations. I hope that every individual, regardless of their occupation, ponders the question and attempts to further promote these qualities and many more in our children. This class has encouraged me to critically think about several areas of technology and I quickly realized the significance of technology in the classroom. I approached this class and was adamant about utilizing technology, yet I failed to think about the importance of technology beyond enhancing instruction. The discussions have helped me critically think about several problems in integrating technolgy and the necessity of overcoming these challenges to maximize student learning and productivity for the 21st century.