When I decided to take this class, Introduction to Technology for
Educators, I knew I would be learning beneficial information. I was not disappointed by any means! I am amazed at how much I have learned this
semester from this course. Before this
class, I knew the basics of the internet; how to explore for information and surf, but
had often wondered how websites and Blogs were set up and arranged. I can now say, “I know how to do that!” I am
very proud of what I have accomplished through my assignments because this is
what learning is all about. Even though
there were some weeks when I felt like giving up because of the workload, I
kept struggling, and as each week passed, it was one more week conquered. I may not have worked on all of the tools
that the professor suggested, due to lack of time and yes, frustration, but I
do plan to explore them in the future.
It will be to my benefit to do so, and I welcome the challenge.
I enjoyed doing several of the assignments, like the WebQuest,
the web page, our collaborate Lesson Plan (Go Green Team!), and even the Wiki Project (I struggled through this one). I
enjoyed the collaborate assignment because it encouraged our team to work
together through cooperation, and each member contributed her creativity skills. also liked the discussions because it gave the class an
opportunity to communicate with each other and reflect on our individual thoughts. Even though my projects may not have been
perfect, I learned the concepts and feel confident that through practice I can
get better at them. That is what I plan
to do, continue practicing what I have learned as I pursue my education and my career.
I plan to implement some of the concepts I have learned at work with the group of children in our after school program. I have always enjoyed teaching others, so
they can do for themselves and feel gratified. Our world is technology driven, and I plan to
be a part of it especially after learning so much from this course. I am proof that when you set your mind to doing something, it
can be achieved.
As teachers, we continue to learn, as we incorporate
technology into our classrooms. The book
states, there are different types of technology equipped classrooms, even so,
we adjust and plan to involve student participation. Many classrooms do not have computers for
every student and might have to take a class to the computer lab. There are others that are equipped with a few
computers so students can take their AR tests or work on interactive programs and
be monitored by the teacher. Many
districts cannot afford computers for every student. So no matter what the set up may be technology
in classrooms is an effective tool that is prominent in most modern classrooms.
There are many tools a teacher can use to help motivate and
teach effectively. Having a technology
based approach to teaching motivates students to learn. By using tools like the internet, teachers
have an abundance resources at their fingertips they can tap into and engage
students on a daily bases. Smart boards
have technology capabilities that allow students to participate actively. On a lesson plan, teachers can implement
lessons into the Smart Board to promote enthusiasm among the students. An LCD
Projector is another tool that has become popular in the classroom. By connecting it to a computer, videos, PowerPoint, and projects can come alive and engross students with the presentation. Students benefit at many
levels in their academic subjects with technology-integrated classrooms.
In our after school program, we have two rooms; one is for the
classroom where homework and other activities are performed, and the other is a
computer lab. The children are always
eager to work on the computer that makes me think computers are not readily
available in their classrooms. There is
always somebody monitoring them in the lab when they work on research projects
or interactive sites. They eagerly help one another when somebody asks for help
or advice when navigating different sites.
The students enjoy the atmosphere and are curious to know what everybody
else is learning. This setup seems to
work very well because they can be working individually or as a group.
I believe that it is important to educate our students on the
technology that is available. It is how
we communicate throughout the world and our students need to be prepared for
the future. As instructors, it is our
duty to get involved by using and exhibiting knowledgeable technology skills. We know that students need variety of learning
activities if we want them to learn. By
making the lessons more inviting and fun, students participate and are
motivated to excel.
Resources:
Maloy, R.W.,
Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming
Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
Online learning and virtual schools have changed the way
students seek an education. Students
attending college or High School want a variety of options, and the internet is
offering those choices. Individuals can
take courses at home at their convenience and still get a valuable
education. Virtual schools allow High
School students the capability for learning at home and the flexibility to
learn at their pace. As more colleges
offer online classes, more students take the challenge of virtual learning. It is becoming more the norm in education to
take a classroom anywhere.
There can be many reasons why students still in High School
take online classes. They learn at their
pace, and classes are programmed according to their interests and unique learning
styles. The convenience of not having
to attend a typical classroom provides more time for extra curriculum activities
or job opportunities. Even so, signing
up for virtual courses has its pros and cons.
The student has to be self-discipline to fulfill their obligations and
responsibilities. This type of
environment may not be for everybody because of the unusual arrangement. In the long run, this exposure will prepare
students for college schedules. But
regardless if they choose to opt for online courses, students should receive
support at home in order to be successful.
It seems that colleges are offering more online courses than
ever before. As I reviewed the classes I
needed to take this semester, it seemed like there were more courses being
offered online than the previous years.
I took my first online course during the summer and liked the
flexibility it provided. Among the many
advantages, I did not have to drive to and from the campus, not only did this saved
me time, but money on gas. I opted to
take more classes online for the fall semester, and as it turned out, I am
currently taking three courses online. I
like the convenience and flexibility that online learning offers, but I would
have preferred to have taken at least one course on campus. The one I had chosen got canceled, and the
only other option was to take it online.
I am getting used to the demanding schedule, but I admit that there are
some weeks that I just want to give up!
I will struggle on because I made a commitment to myself and my
education.
Each student’s learning
capabilities are different, and some may need supplemental instruction, so I
applauded those of us who have decided to join the revolution and be a part of
online learning. I did not think that
online classes were my cup of tea, but as it turns out, they are not so
terrible. As long as you are
self-disciplined and able to multitask, anybody who decides to take online
classes should be just fine. I realize
that some courses should be taken in person, but the possibilities of learning
anywhere and anytime is growing. We live
in the technology age and should take advantages of its conveniences.
Resources
Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf,
B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson
Why assemble a digital teaching portfolio? A digital teaching portfolio is a documented collection
of materials and resources that captures a teacher’s skills as
evidence of their teaching career. It
can help refine teaching skills, their effectiveness and philosophies. Career development and progression are seen overtime
through a variety of information. It
helps to see the inquiry, experimentation and reflection on a variety of
activities that have been accomplished over time. Assembling a teaching portfolio will help a
teacher grow as a professional instructor by compiling effective methods that
have been tried and proven.
There are many elements to consider when building a portfolio. You should start gathering components as you
accomplish them to make assembly easier.
Highlight the positive achievements but also remember that we are not perfect
teachers, and there is always room for improvement. Be truthful about what you have done as an
instructor. Choose your documents well
and have a cross selection of materials not just one subject or component. It should be set up with some outline and
explanation so the reader has a clear view of the contents.
The following are some of the elements our book suggests a
teacher e-portfolio should include:
Resume: This is a document outlining a person’s
background and skills. It provides information
regarding job experiences and education.
Philosophy: This should state why you are teaching. What would you like to accomplish as an
educator? What drives you to give
guidance to students?
Lesson or
Unit Plans and Reflection: This
is sample material already created and implemented. Work done on previous occasions and a
description of how effective (or not) it might have been. Include samples of students’ work and feedback
on activities. Post your reflection on
your approach and motivation behind the lesson plans and activities.
Academic
Courses and Research Experiences:
List of courses or workshop taken for professional development and comments
on their effectiveness. Also include any
organizations you belong to and for how long.
Teaching
Experience: This could
also include reports on colleague collaboration projects, as well as, teaching
awards received from universities or departments recognizing your achievements.
A digital teaching portfolio is a way to document a teacher’s
accomplishments, skills, and strengths.
It can offer an approach of self-monitoring and reflection on what you
have achieved and what you plan on achieving in the future. The process of setting up the teaching
portfolio will help set new goals for future development and growth. It is an ongoing project that requires new
input and updates when needed. As you
grow as an instructor, so will your portfolio with great ideas to excite
student learning.
Resources
Maloy, R.W.,
Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming
Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
A lesson plan is a structural way a teacher can organize a
learning activity planned for the day or week. Many components will be applied
when building the lesson plan which should include:
üObjectives
(what to teach)
üTeaching and learning activities or methods (how to
teach)
üAssessments
(check student understanding of material)
Having specific goals for student learning will determine what
kind of methods or procedures to use in class whereas; those methods will
determine how well the students learned a lesson. Incorporating technology in the lesson plan
will assist with all of these techniques and hopefully make the lesson more
enjoyable for the student.
Outlining learning
objectives should be the first thing to considering when planning the lesson
plan. Using search engines on the
Internet to research information on the topic through blogs or wikis will be a
beneficial way to shape your learning activity, which is the star of the show.
Think about what you want the student to learn and why it is important. What is your goal at the end of the
lesson? Next plan how time will be
executed while doing the exercises. Keep
in mind that the classroom consists of a diverse group of students, and some
may be familiar with the topic while others may not. Anticipate student questions and provide time
for discussion, but try not to deflect.
There are several points to consider when explaining and
engaging students to help them understand the topic it better. With the use of technology and computers,
this process becomes straightforward.
Using presentation, visual thinking, or interactive software can help
students understand the topic in a more simplistic matter. Videos and multimedia content can also
demonstrate the concept or point you are teaching. Encourage students to view clips or other
online materials at home to help them become familiar with the concept. You can also use analogies and real-life
situations to make the topic more significant.
Finally, you want to check for student understanding. You may want to ask specific questions and
have students summarize what they learned.
Assessment tools such as, tests and multiple-choice questions can be
accessed from the web or produced electronically for students to do. The lesson plan should be an organized tool
that outlines teaching goals. It is a
guide on how to teach your classroom in a productive and effortlessly manner.
Maloy, R.W.,
Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming
Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
Use
Technology Effectively | Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL). (n.d.).
Use Technology Effectively | Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL).
Retrieved October 25, 2014, from https://teal.ed.gov/tealguide/technology
We all know that
each child is unique, and they bring their own individuality to the
classroom. Having diversity in the
classroom builds better educators because the teacher becomes the student. Classrooms have to address the diversity that
include culturally, racially ethnically, and linguistically students. Teachers have to be sensitive to their needs
and capabilities. It may be possible to
make changes to curriculum based on the needs of the diverse learners but
through technology those changes have become more effective. There are many programs and tools available
for our diverse learners that will encourage them to succeed.
There are many
programs online available for ELL students that they can be used not only in
the classroom, but at home. These
programs offer a variety of methods to practice and expose students to the
English language. Google Translate is a
free website that instantly translates English to another language or vice
versa. Duoling.com is another
educational program that is available free online for anybody to use. This site takes the learner through different
levels and uses a variety of methods for learning, such as, writing and
pronunciation. It is easy to become
frustrated when you don’t understand what people around you are saying, but
through patience and encouragement ESOL students can accomplish many goals.
Assistive
Technology includes adaptive devices for students with disabilities and also
includes the process used in selecting and using them. These devices used in the classroom promote
independence and improve functional capabilities for those with disabilities. Some of these devices may scan text and then
read aloud for those visually impaired.
Other tools may include special keyboards for those students that have
difficulty typing. There are different
methods used to help these students learn and progress in their academic
education. School districts must
consider assistive technology methods for those students with special needs
which can range from autism, and visual, hearing, or mobile impairment.
No matter the
diversity, every student should be taught to accommodate their needs. Embracing their abilities along with the
disabilities is part of the teaching process.
It is wonderful to know how technology is helping our students with
learning disabilities. They can use
tools to keep them motivated and interested.
As educators, we have to adjust and become more sensitive to our
student’s needs and be able to communicate effectively with families. Students may feel alienated and disengaged
from learning due to the circumstances but by providing them the tools for
learning they will be successful.
Resources
Maloy, R.W.,
Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming
Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
Using
presentation tools in the classroom is a wonderful technique for teaching.Not only are the students reading and seeing
the presentation, but they are also listening to the teacher as she explains
the concepts.Children are better
learners when they can use all of their senses for learning.They become more interested in the subject
because of the different elements the presentation offers.This type of production is a wonderful way of
summarizing facts, presenting graphs or diagrams, and can be visually
appealing.We are all very familiar with
the PowerPoint software program, but as the book states, there are other
programs that provide a variety of presentation options.
You can be
creative with your presentation tool by inserting clip art, pictures,
animations, and videos.For the teacher
part of the fun is producing one of a kind presentation for the class.Some of the strategies involved in creating a
presentation include using images to stimulate your perception of the
topic.They provide a platform for
discussion for the whole class to evaluate as a whole and ask questions.Assigning short writing assignments prompted
by questions displayed on the screen is another method to get students to think
about an assignment or a topic using presentation tools.Having a variety of visual diversity like
using slides as attention-getters, generates attentiveness with students and
keeps them focus on the topic.
I was most intrigued
with the Prezi presentation program. I had seen it before but never done one of
my own.This will be my opportunity to
try my hands on it.As a future educator
and current student, I know I need to acquire new techniques and methods for my
education.Developing a Prezi on my own
will be educational and fun. I hope to continue advancing with each new
technique I learn and teach others in the process.
Presentation
programs are a trendy way to exhibit information to an audience that captivates
and keeps them wondering.Just like any
other program, they get easier with practice, and most have templates and
custom layouts to the users’ advantage.By adding multimedia components to the presentation, the production
becomes more engaging.The presenter is
continuously engrossing, because they are interacting with the audience through
the presentation, instead of just speaking from a bunch of notes.The audience can follow along with handouts
for writing notes, and the presentation can also be downloaded or stored in a
USB for future usage.This is another
beneficial technology tool that not only teachers but anybody can use to
present information in a revolutionary way.
Resources
Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf,
B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson
Online learning and virtual schools have changed the way
students seek an education.Students
attending college or High School want a variety of choices, and the internet is
offering those selections.Individuals
can take courses at home at their convenience and still get a valuable
education.Virtual schools allow High
School students an option for learning at home and the flexibility to learn at
their own pace.As more colleges offer
online classes, more students take the challenge of virtual learning.It is becoming more the norm in education to
take a classroom anywhere.
There can be many reasons why students still in high school
take online classes.They learn at their
own pace, and classes are programmed according to their interests and unique learning
styles.The convenience of not having
to attend a typical classroom provides more time for extra curriculum
activities or job opportunities.Signing
up for virtual courses has its pros and cons.The student has to be self-discipline to fulfill their obligations and
responsibilities.This type of
environment may not be for everybody because of the unusual arrangement.In the long run, this exposure will prepare
students for college schedules.But
regardless if they choose to opt for online courses, students should receive
support at home in order to be successful.
It seems that colleges are offering more online courses than
ever before.As I reviewed the classes I
needed to take this semester, it seemed like there were more courses being
offered online than the previous years.I took my first online course during the summer and really liked the
flexibility it provided.Among the many
advantages, I did not have to drive to and from the campus that not only saved
me time but money on gas.I opted to
take more classes online for the fall semester, and as it turned out, I am
currently taking three courses online.I
like the convenience and flexibility that online learning offers, but I would
have preferred to have taken at least one course on campus.The one I had chosen got canceled, and the
only other option was to take it online.I am getting used to the demanding schedule, but I admit that there are
some weeks that I just want to give up!I will struggle on because I made a commitment to myself and to my
education.
Each student’s learning
capabilities are different, and some may need supplemental instruction, so I
applauded those of us who have decided to join the revolution and be a part of
online learning.I did not think that
online classes were my cup of tea, but as it turns out, they are not so
terrible.As long as you are
self-disciplined and able to multitask, anybody who decides to take online
classes should be just fine.I realize
that some courses should be taken in person, but the possibilities of learning
anywhere and anytime are growing.We
live in the technology age and should take advantages of its conveniences.
Resources
Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf,
B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson
Communication is
essential. So why are not enough
teachers communicating electronically?
Having a blog or wiki to post information regarding a classroom makes
fantastic sense. Parents can log on to
their child’s classroom page and know exactly what is due for homework and activities for the week. Especially if a
student forgets their assignment, all you have to do is make a few clicks and problem
averted. Let’s face it most families
have smart phones or a computer at home; why not use the technology to be more
involved in your child’s classroom. Most
districts allow you to log on to their site so parents can keep track of
student progress. Incorporating this
type of communication in the classrooms could be very beneficial.
Electronic mail is
probably the second preferred communication method apart from using a telephone to call your
child’s teacher. But
what if all you wanted was to ask a simple question regarding the upcoming homework,
activity, or fieldtrip? It would be more
convenient for the parent and the teacher to have the information posted online
with details and suggestions. On the site, a parent could post a question, and
the teacher could reply and update the page as needed. Plenty of time would be saved this way by
simply logging on to the classroom website.
As the book states, teachers know how important time is-there is never
enough of it to teach everything students need to know (Maloy, 2014). By applying synchronous communication and
asynchronous communication, teachers can communicate information more effectively
to students and parents.
I can see how using
wikis as a collaborative learning strategy in the classroom can be very
beneficial. I struggled with my first
wiki mostly likely because I am unfamiliar with the program. Hopefully, I will improve my skills and be
able to teach my students to develop their wiki one day. Having a class work on an educational project
and synthesizing their information using different forms of multimedia
expressions is a great way to expose students of the possibilities technology has to offer. This form of
involvement will encourage students to improve their writing styles and be more
creative. I think it will also encourage
technology citizenship and make students reflect on what they are posting.
I did not realize
there were so many wikis available for the whole world use. I will keep improving my techniques as I continue
my quest to become a tech savvy teacher for my future classroom. It is pretty amazing to know there are
different forms of communication at our fingertips. Having virtual access to your child’s
classroom is so beneficial at different levels.
Given these types of communication,
families become more involved in their child’s progress and education. Living in this digital age, we all have options
that allow us to progress effortlessly when communicating. Let us use it intelligently to our
advantage.
Resources:
Maloy, R. W.
(2014). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston:
Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
Imagine a classroom with students, each one on the computer
playing games. At first glance, it does
not sound like a positive scenario. How
can they be learning when they are playing video games? Gamification is a strategy used in classrooms
to promote learning by encouraging a certain response. It also endorses competition, and students
can track their own progress. Another
form of learning is game based which promotes critical and strategic thinking.
The tactics continues to gain momentum every year as students continue to adapt
to technology. These teaching games are
designed to teach students particular subjects and skills. Even so, there are debates regarding the
usage of games in the classroom and how they influence a student’s behavior.
The concept of having students play games in the classroom
is to engage them by motivating learning.
Kids love to play games so why not combine the two elements and create a
blended learning experience. By using
this technology, students become enthusiastic about learning. Game base learning in the classroom can be
useful because it simulates real life experiences that students can apply to
their everyday lives. It is also
collaborative learning because students teach each other tricks and strategies
that help them succeed. They are
motivated to excel by winning, but does this create the impression of winners
and losers?
There are some benefits associated with playing video games
according to recent article by APA (American Psychological Associates) entitled,
“The Benefits of Playing Video Games” by authors Isabela Granic, Adam Lobel,
and Rutger C. M. E. Engels. According to
the article, after reviewing some of the video games in the market, they
identified four types of positive impact that video games have on the kids who
play them: cognitive, motivational, emotional, and social. Games promote cognitive skills which improve
attention, focus, and reaction time.
Students are motivated and encourage as they develop a sense of
accomplishment of work well done. They also
improve their metacognitive skills by identifying problem areas and practice to
enhance their skills. It all depends on
the game and how it is implemented. Games should be used to enrich learning in the
classroom but have their limitations.
Let’s be clear that not everybody is onboard about these
concepts. Teachers are responsible in
teaching students not computer games. At
the end of the day, students are impacted by how they interacted socially with
their peers and how well a lesson was implemented. So, no matter what our expectations are for
today’s game based approaches, they are having an impact on today’s teaching and
no doubt will continue in the future.
References:
McConnell, C. R., Brue, S. L., & Flynn, S. M. (2012).
Microeconomics: principles, problems, and policies (19th ed.). New York:
McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Shapiro, Jordan . "KQED Public Media for Northern
CA." KQED Public Media. N.p., 13 June 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.kqed.org>.
Everybody
has a right to use the internet to fit their interests. But, with that privilege comes
responsibilities. We are all accountable
on how we utilize the usage of technology for work or personal interests. Students need to be aware of appropriate
technology usage, such as, plagiarism, copyright protection, and the effects of
cyberbullying. To promote awareness of the
importance of good digital citizenship requires the input from parents and
educators. By exhibiting smart technology behavior, students can make good choices when online.
It
is so easy to copy and paste information from a website and presume it is our
production. By doing so, we are breaking
copyright laws. Copyright is a law that
protects the rights of ownership of the person and their creation. Any type of material, such as, videos, logos,
and graphics, just to name a few, could be copyrighted. If somebody wants to use such materials, they
must ask for permission to use them. Plagiarism
is another form of “stealing” from the internet. Plagiarism is when somebody copies somebody
else’s work and does not give proper credit to its owner. Another type of fraud is not providing
quotation marks on a quote to properly document the source. Respecting somebody else’s work and giving
credit when it is due, students become ethical digital citizens.
Cyberbullying
has become a huge concern in our schools and society as more people are
becoming digital. As our textbook
states, it is a technology driven activity in which people use their
cellphones, emails, or chat rooms to communicate in negative, hurtful
ways. Students should be informed of the
negative effects this action causes and how to help prevent it. As, teachers we can educate our students
about how to help eliminate this growing trend.
Students can take steps to help avert cyberbullying when they see it
happening because as bystanders they have a responsibility as well. Some tips to encourage online safety are;
tell your students to always keep their account ID and password private and
never share it with anybody. They should
never post or give out personal information, such as their phone number or
address and always delete unknown email attachments because they could carry
viruses. By following some basic
technology etiquette, we can all become responsible digital citizens.
We
all leave a digital footprint when we use the internet. That is why it is so important for all of us
to be responsible digital citizens. Following
some basic technology rules can allow us to use the internet more effectively
and teach the student to do the same. We
know that students use technology in their everyday lives, we just need to encourage
proper online safety and respect. It seems
like the cyber world can be a somewhat scary and intimidating world but with
the proper precautions, we can educate our students to become smart and savvy
technology users.
Students need to challenge themselves with their school assignments. If a project or assignment is too easy, it might be boring, but if it is too hard, it might be frustrating. You want to set the balance to get their thinking juices flowing. Students do not just want sit in a classroom and memorized assignments anymore; they want to be active participants. Being active learners, students become the source of knowledge, not just receivers of information. There is a variety of methods used to help motivate our students and place them on the track of learning. Making decisions about details on their assignments promotes confidence and creativity. No matter what approach you may use, the goal is to help students learn, by making it fun and interesting for them.
How to engage students in the classroom is probably the biggest obstacle a teacher has to overcome. Keeping students motivated and focus on the topic at hand can be a challenge. In our book, Transforming Learning with New Technologies, they list four different methods used to engage students in learning. All the methods promote learning by motivation and encourage participation. One-on-one tutoring is an ideal practice for those children who are struggling with a topic or considered for school failure. This method encourages self-explanation by the student when the tutor questions and probes to get the student talking. Placing students in learning groups is another way of instructional teaching. This method encourages students to work together as a group and collaborate on a topic. It offers the opportunity for students to solve and apply their knowledge by working with their peers and come to a conclusion as a whole. Students are in the creation of knowledge through active involvement in the inquiry learning method. They use and learn the content and develop information-processing and problem-solving skills. The final method that was discussed was the Metacognitive method. Metacognition means thinking about our thinking. In other words, being aware of what we know which makes learning more effective. By using this instructional technique, students can change their ability to learn and allow it to develop. No matter what technique is used, teaching strategies have changed and continue to evolve. Creativity is defined in the dictionary as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, and the like to create meaningful new ideas and interpretations. According to an article in Edtechreview, neuroscience research has proven the fact that all children are born with innate creative powers and as they grow up some of them keep their creativity active while others unconsciously keep it dormant. Many students may not become Picasso's, Mozart’s or Albert Einstein’s, but we can help foster their creativity that lies within their imagination with technology tools that are currently available. Students can self-express by creating blogs for creative thinking and write about topics that intrigue them. They can use animations, movies, and graphics and display their creativity in so many personal ways that did not exist before. Students can use mind mapping and brainstorming tools to illustrate a topic or concept in an imaginative way. Technology has opened a whole new way of self-expression that is at the fingertips for today’s students.
Allowing students to use technology in the classroom promotes creativity at different levels. Students use technology in practically every part of their lives, and they know the potential it has. Using the different teaching methods and incorporating technology tools into the lessons, will open up the classroom to so many possibilities. The tools available will save teachers planning time and add creative assignments to their agenda. Children have different ways of learning we just have to tap into what works best. They must be able to communicate and relate the assignment to everyday life experiences. Let them become creative in their ways and gain knowledge while doing so.
Resources:
How Can Technology Enhance Student Creativity? -
EdTechReview ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/750-how-can-technology-enhance-student-creativity
Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf,
B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson
I often wondered if I am the right person to be a teacher
and an educator. Would I be the
“perfect teacher” with the “perfect class” who is tech savvy and knows what her
students want? Well, in a perfect world
that would be so, but given that we do not live in a perfect world, my class
would be “almost perfect!” As we all
know, being a teacher is not as easy as it sounds. Even though it may come with plenty of
frustrations, teaching children can be a very rewarding experience. Teaching it
is a career that continues to evolve with each class and each year that passes.
If we want to make a difference in our student’s lives, we need to move with
the times and continue growing ourselves.
As our book state, “teaching is a career that matters to
everyone-students, families, employers, and society as a whole.” We inspire and
enrich the lives of our students by making an unwavering impact on their
future. Teachers are more than educators
to their students; they are friends, mentors, and guides. We are risk takers
who encourage creativity and growth in each child. We make a lasting impression
by empowering our students with the knowledge, so they came become
self-sufficient adults. As we teach, we
have to respond to the needs and lives of our students. Society needs good teachers, and the success
of our students depends on the quality of the teaching.
Perhaps I fall in the group of technology innovators that
incorporates computers and other technologies in the classroom, knows the
basics, but is willing to do more. I am
not afraid to learn and use technology as long as it promotes enthusiasm by the
students, and they are applying what they are learning. I welcome the idea of having a blog or a
class wiki in order to communicate with students and parents outside of the
classroom. I can see how this would be
useful in so many ways. Providing a list
of homework assignments for the week, among other important information about
the classroom would be useful to parents and students. That is something I would definitely use in
my teaching, a form of communication to accommodate parent’s busy schedules.
Robert Frost wrote, “I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”
That is what educators are meant to be, motivators to awake the senses and
instill knowledge. Like any vocation,
teaching has its obstacles, but we have to be resilient with the challenges
that each day brings so we can impact every child in a positive way. Having the ability to interact and connect
with a group of students every day is truly a privilege. I plan to learn more about technology in the
classroom and how to utilize it to enhance ways to motivate and challenge
students with their academic skills. By integrating technology in the
classroom, I hope to prepare students better for their future and our
complicated world.
Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. (n.d.). Archived: Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. Retrieved September 6, 2014, from https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies
Fried, K. (2013, October 16). 21 Reasons To Quit Your Job And Become A Teacher. The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 7, 2014, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kartrina-fried/teacher-job_b_4101468.html
Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf,
B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with
New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
What does it take to be a 21st Century
Teacher?Not long ago teachers started
using an interactive whiteboard and thought the advancement was major.We need more than that if we want to continue
teaching not just inside the classroom, but outside as well.As educators, we need to evolve and react as
the scenery changes with new technology.Who are the 21st students in the classroom and what are the
tools needed to teach these students?In
order for teaching to be effective, we have to captivate our learners by being
adaptive, inventive and learn to use different tools to enhance their learning
experience.For students to reach their
full potential, they should be able to access learning materials “anywhere,
anytime,” as we continue to advance in this digital age.
Our schools need to respond better to these diverse learners
of the 21st century whom are tech savvy and live digitally every day
and want the same in their academic atmosphere. They are multi-tasking
individuals who use the internet, text messaging, and social networking as a
norm in their lives. Today’s students must be prepared to solve many challenges
and as educators it is our job to make learning fun and encourage students to
be creative in as many ways possible. Using blogs and wikis to create online
platforms are just the beginning. Students can work on a report at home and be
able to submit it electronically via email to their teacher. They can create
power points with videos to enhance their project while demonstrating their
creativity.Working on projects in a
group, students can collaborate and communicate by performing different tasks
with their smart phone, wireless, or handheld devices. In this digital age, they
are not limited to the classroom anymore. Technology is a tool that allows us
to enhance learning and should be taught correctly and safely.
Teaching is a job that changes with the currents and we need
to adjust if we want successful students.As teachers, we need better communication skills and be precise with our
instructions, so that students can excel in this digital age.Unless we equip ourselves and our students
with the appropriate knowledge and skills, they will not be successful citizens.Students today are digitally focused and
teachers are learning new ways of teaching to meet the needs of our “wired”
youth. Even so, each child learns in different ways and we need to be sensitive
of their needs. We can have all the latest programs or apps but if the child is
not learning, how effective are they? Students are motivated to continue to
excel when positive feedback and encouragement is given.There is no substitute for that one on
interaction no matter what age we live in.
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “We cannot build the future
for our youth-but we can build our youth for the future.” If students are to be
productive members of the 21st Century workplace, they must be inventive
thinkers and masters of technology. They
need to have an understanding of computer skills and experience to be able to
become members of the global digital society.Digital literacy must be taught not just be exposed to computers in the
classroom. Schools need teachers who are expected to conquer technology skills
and be able to demonstrate their expertise in the classroom. The characteristic
of the 21st Century classroom is very different from those of classrooms of the
past. Technology has played a significant role in the transformation by focusing
on creating students, who are highly productive, multitasking, and effective
communicators.
