Welcome back!
Play this video for a quick look at how advancements in
technology have impacted teaching and learning over time:
What is educational technology?
“Educational technology is a combination of the
processes and tools involved in addressing educational needs and problems, with
an emphasis on applying the most current tools: computer and their related
technologies.” (Roblyer & Schwier, 2003)
Students living in today’s society are no longer the people our
educational system was designed to teach (Prensky, 2010). There’s no going back
now! We live in a digital world where no one should travel back in time to the
19th century when they walk into a classroom. Students today are
described as digital natives as they
represent the first generations to grow up with this new technology (Prensky,
2010). They have spent their whole lives surrounded by computers, internet, videogames,
video cams, cellphones and other tools of the digital age.
http://edtechteacher.org/when-to-put-the-tech-away-in-your-11-or-any-classroom-from-shawn-beth-on-edudemic/
Reflecting back on my elementary school days, the most I had
growing up at school was a projector and chunky white computers. We didn’t have
smartboards, I-Pads or lap tops in our school at the time. Going back to my old
elementary school during my placement this year, it was unbelievable how much
changed in a span of eight years; it was finally getting in with the times of
the 21st century. Sitting in on one of my placement classes, I
noticed my teacher had an online math program set up on two of the computers in
the room. During homework and free time the students would take turns and work
on their fundamental math skills. I observed excited and engaged behaviour from
all the grade three students in the classroom; they all couldn’t wait for their
turn! I myself am considered a digital native, but this makes me feel
threatened to step into an elementary school classroom today because I feel as
if I’m behind and lack these technological skills used now a days. What are
your experiences with technology in your past? Do you feel as if you have the
proper knowledge to incorporate technology into the classroom settings?
Here are 50 ways to implement technology in the classroom:
Click HERE
As future educators of the 21st century, it is
crucial that we stay with the times and integrate new learning resources for
our students. Technology has changed the way we think, work and play and when
integrated into the curriculum, it revolutionizes the learning process
(Eutopia, 2007). Technology incorporation helps student develop 21st
century skills which include personal and social responsibility, strong
communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cross-cultural
understanding and decision making. Effective and current tech implementation must
occur across the curriculum in ways that the learning process is enhanced and
supports key components such as active engagement, participation in groups, frequent
interaction and feedback in connection to real-world experts (Eutopia, 2007).
Technology helps reverse the roles of the student and
teacher where the student teaches their peers and teachers. This change in
teacher/student roles and relationships often result in a collaborative and reciprocal
learning environment where students take responsibility for their learning
outcomes while teachers become guides and facilitators (Drake, Reid, & Kolohon, 2014).
http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/968413/helping-encourage-technology-in-the-classroom
There is an increasing amount of evidence that including
technology in the classroom positively affects student achievement and academic
performance. However, a teacher from Ontario named Tom Freure stated that
technology is only valuable when it enhances learning (Drake et al., 2014). Do you
agree with this statement? I think that technology works best when it is used
as a guide towards student learning rather than direct instruction. Technology
enables students to develop autonomy and control over their own leaning which
results in independent working habits and confidence in their work. Nevertheless
these digital tools can also be distractions in the classroom which implies the
notion of creating structure and an atmosphere of respect. Forming expectations
and guidelines for students to follow will be essential for them in respecting
your boundaries. Not everything you find on the internet is accurate, which is
why as future educators, we need to guide our students in identifying proper
and unreliable sources. Forgetting the basic ways of studying may also be
another consideration while implementing technology in the classroom. It is
important that there is a balance between relying on books and on digital
tools; the internet is not a replacement of your brain, it is simply there as a
guide in learning.
This video presents a school-wide approach to blended
learning that enables teachers the flexibility to define and incorporate online
instruction that meets their student’s needs:
Another thought that comes to my mind is video games in the
classroom. I believe that video games are an excellent way to incorporate interesting
and effective learning in the classroom when used in a safe and proper manner.
Video games lead to student affiliations (memberships), collaborative problem
solving (working together in teams), challenge students in different ways,
exploring and rethinking steps/goals, positive risk taking and agency (Gee,
2003). Do you agree on implementing video games in the classroom? What are the
benefits? Concerns?
Here
is one last video that presents a science teacher by the name of Paul Anderson.
He explains how he has been using elements of game design to improve learning
in his Biology classroom. For more information on Paul’s work click HERE
Our goals as
future educators should be to inspire youth to develop the skills, knowledge,
ethical frameworks, and self-confidence needed to be full participants in
contemporary culture. By doing so, we need to implement 21st century
learning skills and educational technology in schools so that our students can prosper
and building on their knowledge effectively. What are your thoughts on
implementing technology in the classroom?
Thank you for reading! Looking forward to hearing more about your educational thoughts and opinions.
Miss Le Pera
Thank you for reading! Looking forward to hearing more about your educational thoughts and opinions.
Miss Le Pera
References:
Drake, S. M., Reid, J. L., & Kolohon, W. (2014).
Interweaving curriculum and classroom assessment: Engaging the 21st century
learner. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press
Gee, J. P. (2003). Wllal video gallics IUlvc 10 leach us
a/lOul/camilll:(. New York: Palgrave
Prensky, M. (2010). Teaching digital natives: Partnering for
real learning. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin.
Roblyer, M., & Schwier, R. (2003). Integrating
educational technology into teaching (Canadian ed.). Toronto: Prentice Hall.
Why Do We Need Technology Integration? (Eutopia). Retrieved
November 4, 2015.
