As a pre-service teacher in the 21st
century, it is important that I learn meaningful ways to integrate technology
into my future classroom. Technology, in
my eyes, can be described as an electronic device or tool that can be both
helpful and detrimental to learning. Devices
such as tablets, smart boards, and computers are everyday examples of
technology devices that are integrated into the classroom.
Based on my practicum experiences,
I have been exposed to teachers implementing technology in positive and
negative ways. For example, teachers use
the smart board and document camera as a way to present valuable information to
students in a meaningful and visual manner.
This is a way for teachers to enhance students understanding of class
assignments. On the other-hand, I have
found that many teachers use technology, specifically computers, as a tool for
positive reinforcement. For example, if
a student completes her/his work, and s/he has nothing else to work on, the
teacher will grant the student “computer free time.” Instead, I believe
students should be encouraged to partake in activities like reading, coloring,
and writing; anything that allows the students to create something that they
view as valuable.
Although technology’s presence in
the classroom is growing, I see myself using “traditional techniques” within my
future classroom. I have a hard time seeing how I can apply technology into the
classroom and make it applicable for the students. Additionally, I believe that students can
gain a much more rich experience through interactions and connections that
cannot be provided through technology.
Students, like little scientists, need the opportunity to explore,
create, move, collaborate, discuss, and wonder.
However, I find it difficult to see how technology can be used as a tool
to accomplish such things. I want my
students’ work to be purposeful and I want to find ways in which technology can
be used as a tool to achieve this.
Hey Chelsie! I really enjoyed how honest you were in your post and I agree that with technology we may be losing the interactive community for students to learn and collaborate together face to face. I also agree with you that I too have often seen technology being used as a reward where students play games that usually have little to no educational impact. I have do believe that technology can be a useful tool when implemented appropriately. Sometimes, if students need to extra opportunity to grapple with a concept or idea, an interactive game or an informational video on the class blog can provide students with that time.
ReplyDeleteHey Chels! I agree that learning about technology and its purpose is super important because it's what our future students will be using and, as educators, we can utilize their interest in technology to facilitate their learning and provide more meaningful lessons. I also completely agree with you that some traditional teaching techniques are better left unchanged and that's why I think that technology should only be used as a tool if it can be truly justified, for each activity, as being a helpful and facilitating tool that allows for a more meaningful education, as opposed to just an "easy way out". I want to keep many traditional teaching techniques in my classroom too, but I'm open to integrating technology when it makes sense. :)
ReplyDeleteChelsie! I really liked how you described your practicum experiences regarding technology use in the classroom – both positive and negative. I totally agree with your point about how students can gain more rich experiences through interactions and connections that cannot be made through technology! Do you think there is a positive way to integrate “traditional techniques” as well as implementing technology in your classroom?
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