Until I actually sat in the classroom again, I did not realize how much technology was being used in the classroom. With my children, I knew they were using technology in the classroom, but I would make them look up information using other methods. They were not allowed to use technology until they were able to show me they had used other methods of research. I needed to be sure my daughters understood what to do if their electronic devices were to go down or if they did not have access to one at that particular time.
It is important for teachers to keep up with the different technological tools because many times this is the only thing the students will understand. The more teachers know about new technology, the better chance they will have of reaching students. Of course, all new technology will not be used in the classroom, but it helps to be familiar with it. By learning and studying new technology, a teacher never knows which will be beneficial in the classroom for the students.
The mobile devices can be moved or used anywhere. The desktops should remain stationary in order to get the most production from them. With the desktops, it takes up more room. To have a desktop for students to use and expect them to be able to continue with their daily assignments would be hard to do. With the mobile devices, the students will be able to do assignments and do the necessary work being required by the use of technology.
It is important to do research on technology before purchasing it. This will give the buyer time to find out about upgrades and compatibility. If the devices are compatible with various hardware and updates are being done regularly, the cost will be justified because there usage will pay for itself. If the device does not have regular upgrades or compatibility, the cost would not be justified. How can you justify spending thousands of dollars on technology which can only be used for a year or two? This would not make sense to anyone and not be good for a learning environment because the students will constantly have to get familiar with new technology while trying to continue to understand the concepts they must learn.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
EDTC 5010 - Chapter 1
In today's society, the focus of our education program has changed. Students are now learning information using modern technology more than ever. My feelings on the use of technology is mixed. I feel students should know how to use technology, but I do not think technology should take the place of books and teaching in the classroom. I feel the 2 should be combined to help the students be well rounded. I noticed if the students are given a choice, they select the technology and forget about everything else.
An idea classroom setting for me would be to have an inquiry based class with technology used secondary. The technology would be used to explore in depth the concepts being taught in the classroom. The technology will be used to complete projects, but the students would have to be able to answer specific and create thinking scenarios created based on the concepts being taught. While in the classroom, I find I can get a better understanding of what the students are misunderstanding by having them ask and answer questions.
I think the tutorials and drill practice software is wonderful when helping the students. It is an opportunity for the students to practice what they are learning. If the software or worksheets being used are computer based, it will give the students an opportunity to receive feedback immediately. Hopefully, it will help them to ask more questions and understand better where they went wrong while doing the exercises.
For each exercise, it is a work in progress. No matter how effective a project or exercise is, there is always room for improvement. Depending on the class being taught, the teacher should be flexible enough to make adjustments in order to be able to reach ALL the students in the classroom. If a student does not complete the work because they do not want to do it, that will be the problem of the student, parent and teacher. If a student does not understand the work because of the teaching strategies or a learning disability, the teacher needs to think of other ways to communicate with that student to help them understand the concepts.
Although it may seem strange in this day and age, not all students are able to have access to computers. Every exercise created will need to be computer accessible, as well as written. If a final project will need to be completed on the computer, the teacher must allow class time for students to use the computers at school to work on the project. By doing this, students whose family cannot afford computers or internet service will be able to complete their work without causing embarrassment among their classmates. Middle school is hard enough for students without adding their situations.
An idea classroom setting for me would be to have an inquiry based class with technology used secondary. The technology would be used to explore in depth the concepts being taught in the classroom. The technology will be used to complete projects, but the students would have to be able to answer specific and create thinking scenarios created based on the concepts being taught. While in the classroom, I find I can get a better understanding of what the students are misunderstanding by having them ask and answer questions.
I think the tutorials and drill practice software is wonderful when helping the students. It is an opportunity for the students to practice what they are learning. If the software or worksheets being used are computer based, it will give the students an opportunity to receive feedback immediately. Hopefully, it will help them to ask more questions and understand better where they went wrong while doing the exercises.
For each exercise, it is a work in progress. No matter how effective a project or exercise is, there is always room for improvement. Depending on the class being taught, the teacher should be flexible enough to make adjustments in order to be able to reach ALL the students in the classroom. If a student does not complete the work because they do not want to do it, that will be the problem of the student, parent and teacher. If a student does not understand the work because of the teaching strategies or a learning disability, the teacher needs to think of other ways to communicate with that student to help them understand the concepts.
Although it may seem strange in this day and age, not all students are able to have access to computers. Every exercise created will need to be computer accessible, as well as written. If a final project will need to be completed on the computer, the teacher must allow class time for students to use the computers at school to work on the project. By doing this, students whose family cannot afford computers or internet service will be able to complete their work without causing embarrassment among their classmates. Middle school is hard enough for students without adding their situations.
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