We learn about the importance of transferring and applying what we learn to different settings, and technology is a way for students to do just that. Technology is a link for communication, and it allows both students and teachers to communicate and give feedback with each other and other professionals. It also helps move students to become better writers. Technology also is a big motivation factor for students to teach themselves new things. They are interested in learning for meaning. An advantage of using technology when teaching is that is helps make thinking visible. We have learned about using our visuospatial sketchpad and making connections with images, and technology helps us to do just that. Last week we focused on different learning environments, and technology is a great way to connect classrooms to the community. I have a classroom web-page which allows family and friends to stay updated on what we are doing each week in class and how they can help at home. This is a great way to encourage parent involvement with their child.
2. What am I still not clear on in this week's reading(s)?
The readings provided us with many different examples of how to integrate technology into our classrooms, and I took away many great ideas that I can't wait to try in my room. I am clear on the importance of our students in todays age using technology and I will continue to see opportunities to learn more myself.
3. Under what conditions would I apply this material to my own teaching/work?
Technology is a tool that not only enhances students learning, but teachers as well. We learn through technology by "doing." It is a great tool for both teachers and students to receive feedback along with building new knowledge. When teachers learn to use new technology we model the learning process for students to see. I use technology within my classroom often, but I would always like to use more if given the resources. We do a big unit on weather in third grade and we spend three weeks using tech. to track and record the weather. This is a great opportunity for students to collect and analyze real data, instead of looking out the window and saying, "Oh ya...it's cold today." It is VERY important for us as teachers today to stay up to date with technology. Kids are knowing more and more and if we can't keep up how are we teaching them new things.
I like your comments about technology enhancing not only our students learning, but our knowledge and experiences as teachers (which in turn enhances student learning). I know that the more I use the technologies available for teaching Chemistry, I get a better visual myself. I can see how students will immediately benefit from the use of technology in order to visualize molecules and atoms. Technology can open worlds that can stimulate and engage students in new ways.
ReplyDeleteToday, we have so many more opportunities to bring added resources to our students education than previous educators did. I think we're at a point now where we have to pick and choose what we want. I wonder if we should start restructuring curriculums to allow more technology based education (only in a perfect educational world!)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100% that teachers should keep up with technology. I use all of the resources that I can, but I really do with I had more. I think that getting the resources is the hardest thing for a lot of teachers!
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