After reviewing Chapter 2, there are a series of
elements in which technology issues can influence ones teaching. I was
most intrigued after reading "Barriers To Technology Use", because
there were numerous impeding factors that could cause students to be impacted
with the lack of technology in their classroom. Figure 2.4 was
displayed on page 31, where one could examine what they believed to be the most
important role in which technology is not being
utilized with their students in the classroom. The reader was able to rate a series of
components as a major, minor, or not a reason at all. After taking the
survey, I realized that my personal beliefs of why there might be barriers of
technology were: lack of classroom equipment, lack of time, and possibly one
might be intimidated with the use of technology. I
believe the lack of classroom computers is the most important factor that is
causing a barrier between technology and the how it is being incorporated in
the classroom. Every school should be equipped with enough
computers, so that each classroom teacher can incorporate a group of at least
five students at a time during their literacy/math "rotations".
I remember when I was in school; we had two computers in which we were to
share amongst the class. There would be "number" cards in the front
of the room and we were responsible to take turns in the order we had picked.
Also, a timer would go off when our time was up.
Collier County students and staff are
very fortunate to have an abundant of computers. Our schools are
able to replace and supply our classrooms with multiple and updated computers.
I believe that when teachers are equipped with proper and updated
technology, they will be able to incorporate new ideas where their students are
able to learn hands on what technology can offer them in the future.
Taxpayers need to be aware that when school budgets are lowered, our
children are being affected. Every child should have the opportunity to learn
in the most advanced technical classroom. Technology is the wave of the
future!
 Photo credited to San Jose on Flickr This picture displays how some other districts are lacking equipment in which they are having students share computers. |
The next section I found interesting was
"Transforming Learning Environments with Technology". On page
38, table 2.1; it displays how classrooms have evolved into what our students
know and see today. When I reminiscence upon my experience in the
classroom as a student, I believe I learned in a "traditional"
classroom. In the classroom we were exposed to: Instructional lectures, reading
along with the teacher, memorizing material that was given to us, and individual
ditto worksheets are just a few areas that come to mind. Due to the
constant change in our technical world, teachers and classrooms have evolved.
Educators must reach their twenty first century learners by choosing how and
when to integrate new technologies into their lesson plans.
When growing up, resources were limited and we were left with few options
to keep us intrigued. Currently today, students have an abundance of
resources and are exposed to various pieces of technology. For example:
I believe that this video puts into perspective the way classrooms have changed in which we as future educators must adapt our styles of teaching...
The last section I found intriguing was "Methods For Teaching With Technology". In this section it introduces different types of teaching methods one might use in a classroom. It states that there are two primary types of teaching philosophies. The first type is: "Teacher-Centered". In this teaching philosophy, some teachers consider teaching to be formal and determine who has learned and who has not solely based on their test scores. The second type is: "Student-Centered Teaching". This philosophy is when teachers view teaching as orchestrating different experiences. They also believe that the role of a teacher is to create puzzles, ask questions, and to engage while having an open class discussion. I personally believe that once I become a classroom teacher, I will base my teaching philosophy on "Student-Centered Teaching". I want my students to feel as though they have an active role in their academic learning process. Students should feel they have opportunities to either express their personal thoughts and/or ask questions. Our teaching philosophy can be examined in relation to the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for teachers and students. NETS believe that technology can allow students to learn in a way that they can relate to. They also think that schools should teach their academic content, while promoting innovative and creative thinking, so that they are ready to enter the world of technology.
| Photo credited to Kathy Cassidy on Flickr These kids who are in the picture are using an Interactive Whiteboard. This is great tool to incorporate technology, so that students are actively learning in a group setting. |
Once again, this chapter puts into perspective how important it is to teach our students through technology. We can create a highly interactive learning experience, if we can engage/reach them while using the technology tools offered.
References
Maloy, Robert W.. Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2011. Print.
"Shared Images ." Flickr. Yahoo!, n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/>.
"What is 21st century education?." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2014. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax5cNlutAys>.
MLA formatting by BibMe.org.
It is so very difficult to think about categorizing those barriers, but you are definitely correct that in CCPS, we are very lucky to have some great hardware and software - now to find the time to learn how to effectively use it for the benefit of learning in the classroom. Now, though, they have to have the time, energy, and motivation to really translate technology into the everyday lessons. :)
ReplyDeleteKnow you were having trouble with the photo embed and I left a msg on Canvas re: that issue. I like that you successfully embedded a video. BTW - your photo from K. Cassidy is ironic as she one of the K/1st grade teachers that blogs on a regular basis with her classroom (remind me to share next week!). Great video! :) Remember that we are using APA formatting for this class (not MLA!) and be sure to change the default so you get the APA citation from BibMe. ;)