For this course, I hope to learn more about how to effectively integrate technology into my lessons and classroom. Technology is available in some capacity in nearly every school, however, so often teachers include technology without it serving any real purpose - they want to meet requirements set by their district or to just simply say they use technology in their classroom. I would like the technology that I integrate to have a purpose and lend to deeper student learning and understanding. Students use so much technology in their everyday lives and sometimes it seems like they are in a 'time warp' when they go to school and face a paper text book and a chalkboard. I really believe that the days of the spiral notebook are numbered and it will soon be replaced by iPads and netbooks in our schools and classrooms. I am in the MET program to learn how to stay up to date with this evolution so I can remain an effective teacher.
(image courtesy of http://technologyandclassrooms.blogspot.com/2010/10/benefits-of-technology-in-schools.html)
"..so often teachers include technology without any real purpose." This sentence caught my interest because, unfortunately, I see this a lot as well. Teachers find a new technology and they can't wait to use it in their classrooms. They do things backwards, and build their lesson around the technology, instead of doing it the correct way. Using your current curriculum and seeing how to enhance it by using technology tools. Welcome to the blogosphere Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to add some type of widget to your blog. See the rubric for additional requirements posted with the assignment.
ReplyDelete"...so often teachers include technology without it serving any real purpose." I have been guilty of this myself. I will say that when I go into a project and include technology "just to say I did", it often flops or at the very least does not live up to my expectations. When I make myself really think out, plan its purpose, and think about my students' needs the results are always so much better and satisfying. These classes have certainly made me think more about how using technology the right way with my kids will have a huge impact on them later.
ReplyDeleteI think different technology applications can give a lesson an enhanced boost. Take blogging for example, if a teacher just created a blog for students to comment about what books they read for pleasure do you think that would influence a reluctant reader? I think so. Peers sometimes get through when teachers can not. Technology gives us the ability to manipulate those teaching moments. I think it also gives us a chance to have "Real Life" teaching experiences for students to learn.
ReplyDeleteexactly! I loved your statement, "Peers sometimes get through when teachers can not." With blogging, this is especially true! Students are more likely, in my opinion, to open up and engage when they feel like they are having a conversation with their classmates than they are when they are talking to the teacher. Blogs also allow students to express themselves in a less confrontational environment where they are less on the spot and with less pressure.
DeleteI hope that what you learn from this program will help you model how to use technology in the class. I just don't think many teachers understand how to use technology, not because they don't want to but because they haven't been taught. I have the PE teachers for a PD group all year and I am helping them find ways to use technology at the right time with the right lessons. They are loving it, it just takes some time for them to be taught how technology fits in schools.
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