An Information Technology Integration System and Its Life Cycle

Abstract

Abstract In celebration of Computers in the Schools' 20th anniversary, we take a look back at the evolution of technology integration in education over the past two decades. In this retrospective analysis we have identified four critical components in a typical integration life cycle that contribute to the failure to integrate information technology: (a) a missing link, (b) a misguided direction, (c) an area of weakness, and (d) a major dilemma. Also, in this paper we propose a new conceptual framework that represents both a macro- and micro-perspective of technology integration. The new conceptual framework consists of a three-dimensional ITD (Information, Technology, Instructional Design) information technology integration system that is associated with two other integration models. The first model-the Information Technology Integration Life Cycleexamines the macro-processes of integration over time (years). The second model-the Information Technology Integration Design Modelexamines the micro-processes in any single case of integration.