Technology Journey II
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Technology Journey
II
I began this course, Survey of Computers in Schools, with fundamental knowledge regarding technology and its capability within the education field. As I make the transition from student to educator, I am now aware of the positive affects it has on my professional development and the benefits it will someday have on the academic development of students. Technology in education, whether it is software programs, digital cameras, or access to the Internet, offers a wealth of beneficial tools to supplement lessons and instructional activities. Prior to taking this course, I felt technology in the classroom was hindering students from effectively learning timeless knowledge, such as mental computation and spelling. I am now aware, if used in the appropriate context, of its ability to present learning in an appealing and exciting fashion. This is imperative to the academic growth of the Net Generation. Their knowledge and literacy with new technology, along with their expressive, creative communication skills, requires that they be allocated the opportunity to learn in ways in which they are comfortable, with digital media. This experience is not only beneficial for their educational career, but also imperative for their preparation into the professional workforce. 21st Century Skills: Will Our Students Be Prepared?, stresses the importance that future generations are literate regarding information, technology, the economy, socially and civically responsible, creative, able to communicate interactively, and capable of higher order thinking and sound reasoning. As educators, this means we must implement ISTE NETS, ensuring students learn and express these skills. However, we must not assume all students have grown up surrounded by digital media. There will be those who are at socioeconomic disadvantage, having little to no experience with computers or other digital media. This digital divide is one of the most critical issues facing technology in education. How do we simultaneously meet the academic needs of those students identified as millennials along with those who must be taught very basic concepts? I plan to bridge this disparity through cooperative learning, pairing technology-experienced students with those who may have little knowledge. Additionally, I will ensure students have access to the school computer lab prior and subsequent to the school day. Another critical issue facing technology education is student’s susceptibility to online predators, pornography, and biased information, as addressed in Net-wise Teens: Safety, Ethics, and Innovation. Once again, the importance of implementing NETS-S is vital, especially teaching students to practice social, ethical, and human issues. Below is a table containing articles which I found particularly helpful and informative:
I envision my classroom containing at least a dozen computers; ensuring students have the opportunity to learn with technology both independently and cooperatively. As was read in One-Computer Classroom: Projecting Knowledge, even a limited amount of computers can be “a powerful tool for engaging the whole class in a variety of learning experiences” (Hail, Jones, & Wilson, 2003). Educational software programs, such as Math Blaster or Oregon Trail, will supplement lessons, allowing students an exciting way to practice skills and concepts previously taught. Slide shows, for example PowerPoint, will enhance discussions and lectures, presenting them in a more visually appealing and intellectually stimulating manner. I also plan to use digital cameras as means to ensure students tangibly learn the connection between concepts taught in the classroom and their real-world applications. For instance, they will be assigned to capture objects, people, and events throughout the school that have been discussed in class. On the planning side of the spectrum, I will use websites, such as abcteach.com, discoveryschool.com, and rubricwizard.com to generate instructional activities, i.e. worksheets, crossword puzzles, or rubrics. In addition, I also intend to develop a class website, offering parents and students information regarding my professional development, philosophy of education, contact information, and post exemplary student work weekly. However, as with developing a website during this course, it is a task that presents many challenges. I do plan to overcome this barrier through collaboration and aide from colleagues and utilizing the “help” features within the website developer. Although, I believe the amount and range of technologies used in my personal life will remain the same, i.e. using a computer to type essays, surfing and communicating with friends via the internet, and taking pictures with a digital camera. It is technology’s educational implications and opportunity it affords future students to reach their greatest potential that has left a lasting impact on me. Below is a list illustrating technology I intend to use in my future classroom:
Technology, at its very core, does not make ineffective teachers successful or unmotivated students ambitious. Instead, it enhances their skills and promotes an innovative, creative method in which to present and learn information. Although impressive, I do not believe technology will have the capability to replace educators. It cannot provide the inspiration and valuable experiences learned from face-to-face interaction with teachers and peers. However, educators who are technology literate, that is, know additional ways to meet the unique needs of very diverse learners, may replace those who do not. |