After reading this article about Educational Technology, I have more of a positive outlook on the use of technology in the classroom. I have never been completely against the use of technology in the classroom, but I have always wondered what the real benefits are and how affective it actually is for the students. One thing that I learned that I didn't know before is that when teachers use computers, they should use them to help the students develop " higher thinking skills," as opposed to drilling them on their multiplication facts or spelling words. The article also made me feel more confident about using technology with my students because it seemed to be backed up with strong research and positive results.
One section of the article that I learned while I was in my education classes at Westmont was the social aspect of technology. Students get the opportunity to learn about what their fellow classmates are thinking and learning, and they can provide instant feedback. I think that communicating on blogs and tools such as Padlet can be beneficial to students and teachers because not every student has to speak out loud, and the teacher can see all of the students' thoughts in one place. I also agree with the part of the article that says technology not only stretches the students learning but the teacher's as well. It is beneficial for the teacher to use technology because they are being challenged at the same time too. Overall, technology in the classroom seems to be beneficial for the teacher and students if it is embraced properly.
You made many valid points, but I am not sure that I am 100% convinced yet that the benefits of technology necessarily outweigh the negative. Now don't get me wrong, there are definitely sources out there that are great, but I'm not convinced we are as educated as we should be. That is one thing that I am hoping to get out of this class. I want to feel comfortable and educated on programs and equipment that will help not only my students out, but also myself.
ReplyDeleteMeredith,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about having all this sophisticated technology as a tool for teaching and learning. From how I see it, basically the teacher acts as a facilitator when it comes to technology and often times your students may have more in-depth knowledge about certain technology then their instructor. The classroom, sort of speak, is now like global classroom (with the internet) where the teacher and students can all have their chance to teach and learn, which is fine with me, because the older I get, the more I realize I know nothing. That is why we are constantly learning new stuff or lifetime learners.
With that being said, you are correct in my opinion Meredith when saying, “technology not only stretches the students learning but the teacher's as well”.
Meredith,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so honest about your journey through this course so far. I have been interested in your posts because I know you aren't always going into topics with full acceptance. You think critically in everything that you read and I appreciate that. I hope to teach my students the very same skill. I am a full fledge believer in technology integration, but it is nice to see it from someone else's perspective as well.