During this semester, I experienced several ah-ha moments, but I experienced two that allowed me to refine my teaching strategies. My first ah-ha moment occurred after reading chapter three in Digital Writing. In chapter three Hicks states “using collaborative word processors as a tool for drafting, revising, and getting the response to their writing allows students a number of advantages that can move them quickly toward deep revision (p. 46). After reading this chapter, I began reflecting on my teaching practices to determine the level of effectiveness and engagement. The conventional teaching methods of using a pencil and paper seemed outdated and using technology is no longer an option in the classroom. Learning to embrace the technological advancements became overwhelming for me, but it was something I was open to experiment with for the sake of my kids. Although I haven’t taken an official poll to determine student’s …show more content…
Miller suggests teachers facilitate utilizing digital tools instead of giving explicit directions. After weeks of hesitation, I finally decided to relinquish control and allow my kids to be held accountable for their own learning. To my surprise, this is one of the smartest things I have done all year. This strategy allowed me to determine each student’s level of comfort with technology so I could revise groups in the future. Additionally, it allowed students to learn from each other in conjunction with providing a form of differentiation. As a result of this strategy, I also became a student by learning new features and tools that I could incorporate into future lessons. Ultimately, it is a small step that has dramatically impacted my teaching practices and comfort level with technology. Although I have shifted my role in the classroom, my kids understand I am there to promote learning through student lead discussions and
It is helpful to connect the learning to a student’s prior experience. Teachers also need to consider the role of technology in their classroom.
Where ever you live and whatever grade you teach, technology has made it into the lives of teachers and students. Whether it is an ebook, laptop, iPad, computer, or Smartboard, they all have brought teaching literacy to a new level. These tools are not going to leave our classrooms, if anything they will impact the learning at new and higher levels. There will come a day, and I think it will be soon, that every student will have access to their own technology devices at school and at home. As teachers, we need to embrace technology and try and stay ahead of our students if possible.
Ever since these recommendations there have been improvements in many areas of education. Our society is technology driven, and so the use of computer and other technological devices have bee...
It is very hard not to realize that technology has overpowered education in many ways. “Technology integration is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest” (Guhlin, 40). Nowadays, computers are almost considered a necessity in the classroom, and are the main component of technology integration. Computers are being used in more numerous ways, besides only being used for basic word processing. With a simple computer, copious availabilities of technologies can be used in the classroom. “The one thing that is so great about the computer is that it does give a lot of instruction--and you don't need to have hearing to take advantage of it” (Anderson, 12). It’s amazing how one simple screen can provide everlasting opportunity for learning.
With the widespread use of digital technology, the classroom teaching approaches and practices went through remarkable changes. When compared to the past ten years, today the classrooms look entirely different in terms of programs and technical tools used to enhance the learning skills of students.
Image a school with laptops available to each student to complete their class notes, teachers who are able to help their students through the screens of their computer, children who are excited to learn about numbers with the help of cute, animated characters. With the endless advancement of today’s technology, schools across the world have begun integrating various technology into their curriculum. These devices have the potential to greatly impact students in their learning. When a school opts to use technology in a school setting, the most important factors they should take into consideration are the benefits of using technological devices, the effectiveness of technology used
At this point, I had to be intellectually humble and recognize that there are people who think differently about this issue than I do. When it came time to do my research I chose to set aside my bias and look for how teachers actually felt about technology and the opportunities it could present for their classroom. I found one article where teachers used technology in science classes and noticed a new interest in learning because of the opportunities they were being given with the Smart Board. I also found an article where elementary teachers were concerned about the technology because of warranty even though they did recognize the usefulness of some of the material. Even though my opinion did not change, I am more aware about the uses technology can have in the classroom and how other people think about this issue.
Some say that technology is a distraction and hinders the students from fully learning and developing important skills that they claim only the interactions with the teacher can provide. Teachers have said that technology is a powerful tool that allows them to introduce and demonstrate learning activities in a completely new way. It has been studied and proven that most kids are more motivated and interested in the concepts they are supposed to learn when the teaching tool of technology is used. A fifth grade teacher stated, “Technology is the ultimate carrot for students. It's somet...
Writing has changed because of the efficiency that technology provides. With the invention of instant messaging, writing has started to become something new entirely. People are writing more often and faster to get a message across. Luckily, students know that the writing that they do with friends is much different than what employers are looking for in the work place (Guffey, M.E., & Loewy, D., pg. 3-29).
Rhonda Christensen, S. F. (December-January 2005-06 r.). Learning and Leading with Technology. Teaching in the One-to-One Classroom , 33 , 12-16. ISTE.
During my time at this field placement, I noticed how Mrs. Anderson uses technology on a daily basis and wanted to give it a try myself. Students seem to enjoy it very much and from what I have seen, Mrs. Anderson gets a great response from the students as far as scores go. Technology in the classroom can be used for different types of assessments as well whether it be for a presentation, test or online activity. As a 21st century pre-service teacher, it is very important for me to know how to properly use technology in the classroom and how to successfully incorporate it into my curriculum. “Teachers must learn to use technology and must allow it to change their present teaching paradigm. This is not an easy task because change can seem intimidating and threatening” (Bitner, 1). This quote sums up exactly what I should be working on in terms of incorporating technology into the classroom. If I begin to use it now then I will be less intimidated in the
The education world has been greatly influenced by rapidly changing technology and the increasing availability of information. Schools have advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to incorporating technology into the learning environment, however, many more advances need to be made. In all areas of the country, educators are trying to help students keep up with technology, but there are more changes that are essential for preparing the next generation for the future.
students prefer technology because they believe that it makes learning more interesting and fun. They especially like laptops and tablets. Subjects that students deem challenging or boring can become more interesting with virtual lessons, through a video, or when using a tablet. Technology occupies an important place within students’ lives. When they are not in school, just about everything that they do is connected in some way to technology. By integrating technology into the classroom, teachers are changing the way they used to teach (lectures six hours a day) and providing students with the tools that will take them into the 21st century. One of the characteristics of the modern classroom is collaboration and technology helps to empower it. With classroom technology students can collaborate with other students and their teachers in and outside of the classroom quickly and easily.
Technology properly used in the classroom has many advantages to a student’s learning. Technology can help students become more involved in their own learning process, which is not seen in the traditional classroom. It allows them to master basic skills at their own rate rather than being left behind. Teachers and students alike can connect to real life situations by using technology in the classroom; this can also help to prepare students for real world situations. Technology can be used to motivate students as well as to offer more challenging opportunities. It can also be used as a visualization tool to keep students interested in the subject that is being taught. When technology is used effectively, students have the opportunity to develop skills that they may not get without the use of technology (Cleaver, 2011). Assessing and monitoring students is easier on the teacher because of the ability to use technology in the classroom. When technology is used correctly it offers limitless resources to a classroom atmosphere.
Technology have changed the way teachers are now accountable to teach, and the way students are learning. During this course I have learned key implications of new