What surprise me most about the article was how truly essential it is to integrate technology into classrooms. The article does a good job of illustrating the importance of this. When I was in high school (about ten years ago), it seemed like utilizing technology in the classroom was more or less optional. There were teachers --usually younger ones-- that put technology into their lesson plans and others that didn't. At that time, it seemed that both methods were acceptable. Each teacher was just teaching differently. Now, as the article illustrates, there is no option to integrate technology. It's teachers responsibility to use technology in the classroom and prepare learners for a globally connected world. Teachers must provide them with the tools to work in today's technology-saturated society.
I’m not sure I’ve changed any of my ideas on education in the classroom because of this article; however, it does bring to light some of the ways educators can harness it and maximize its benefit. For instance, the article points out that new technology allows for more opportunities for feedback, reflection and revision. Moreover, and what’s best about technology in this regard, these features are almost instantaneous. I still feel though, that successfully utilizing technology in a way that measurable improves students’ achievement requires that teachers are properly trained to use these new tools. It’s not as simple as just having students do research on the computer instead of using encyclopedias. As the journal article points out, teachers need continued, in-depth professional training to learn out to really improve students’ performances. Another part of the article I liked was how it emphasizes the necessity for kids to know how to use technology outside of the classroom. ISTE highlights that today’s workers must exhibit technology literacy and information literacy. Truly, to be marketable in almost any career, one must have technology skills. As teachers, part of our job is to train students for their life after school, and integrating technologies into the curriculum will certainly help do this.
My high school experience is very similar to yours as far technology not playing a huge role, but it existed. However, I grew into using it more and more throughout my time at college with research projects, papers, studying, etc. I agree with what you said about technology benefiting the students. It truly was valuable having access to information with the click of a button or being able to share a project with a group without meeting face to face. Aside from experiencing the benefit myself, I have seen the positive impact it can make on a students learning experience. In order for this to happen a teacher needs to be trained on how to properly integrate that technology into a classroom. It is so important that we do not take certain learning skills away from students while doing this. What and how we teach students will impact how they grow as students and individuals.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the age of technology. :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is becoming more pertinent that we, as teachers, know what we are doing on a computer or other device. We are the teachers, after all, and need to teach our students how to be successful. Unfortunately, unless you grew up surrounded by technology, you do have a continuous learning and growing process that you must be on top of! But at least if you catch up, you just have to learn about the small changes.
Want a tip? Most of the time when a new phone or computer, they really haven't changed too much from the last model. It's less intimidating than you think, I swear! Or that is a totally biased opinion...but if you need help, you can email me. :) I'm pretty good with this stuff, so don't be too intimidated!
I went to high school about 14 years ago and I saw almost no use of technology in the classroom at least in the way we see today. Match teachers had old projectors to demonstrate how to solve problems and some teachers use tv's to show movies but that was about it. I agree that we need to use technology to maximize its benefits. Not every tool out there is beneficial to students. I dont think we should overwhelm students with technology just because we can but integrate technology in useful and measurable ways.
ReplyDelete