Why Technology?
Some argue that since students are becoming more focused on the internet, the regular education most of us have grown up with is no longer sufficient to help teach children in this digital age. I need to make sure that I am holding the attention of students more than ever, since technology can cause many distractions and can hinder learning in the process. In order to supply students with a meaningful education and an unforgettable learning experience in the current era, I must begin to see technology as a vital tool that can help instruction
When using technology, I must know exactly why that digital piece is being used. If there is no meaning behind using computers or forms of social media such as Youtube, then chances are students will not be benefitting from the experience either.
Choosing the type of technology to use in a classroom can often be rather difficult, given the vast amount available to the public nowadays. The button at right leads to a blog post I found extremely handy, where questions are asked about how technology can be used in the classroom, and to find out if digital tools are even needed for certain instructional times.
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As the video below highlights, technology can be effective when introduced into instructional time, but there must be a balance between the digital time and non-digital time. Relying heavily on either does not support multiple learning methods, so the key to addressing the needs of all the students is to create harmony between technology and what I prefer to call "pencil-and-paper" time.
In the end, it is up to me, the teacher, to decide whether or not technology would be beneficial for his or her group of students. There is no set rule that states students must engage in digital exploration, but if the type of learning they are being exposed to requires or at least supplements any type of technology, then it is always available.
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Sample Technology
I came across an extremely helpful website which lists many different types of digital tools teachers can use. The author of the blog post organizes each tool by the letters of the alphabet so in total there are 26 online or technology-driven educational methods provided on one webpage.
Some of these include websites specifically for the students and various units they may need help in, such as math. In these cases a student can access the webpage at home or in the library after being exposed to it in schools. |
I absolutely love the idea of using premade lessons in my own classroom, because it provides me with a basic framework to be creative with. Even if it is just for getting ideas, I am able to see how others are making use of their classroom instructional time, so I will be learning along with my students. Below is a link which I found extremely useful, providing me with premade lessons which make use of technology and technological activities. |
Premade LessonsWith technology being so prevalent in classrooms, finding premade lessons that integrate various aspects of technology and digital items has become increasingly simpler.
Having websites that can be available outside of the classroom is an important part of having technology in schools. |
Sharing Books OnlineI can use technology in the classroom to promote reading in children as well. Websites such as the one linked on the right provide students with a list of books created by the me, all in one area. This list may include books to read for lessons, or just a wish-list of recommended books by me that students may like.
Students are exposed to many books in this way that I may not be able to provide hard copies of in the classroom. Therefore, students can check out books from the library that are listed by the me through this hosting website. |
Being an avid reader, I find this is a great tool for me to share new and exciting books with my students, all in one place. As a class we can even make our own running list of books we read throughout the school year and share it with other classrooms in the school!
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As a future educator, I see this as a staple in my classroom one day because learning can transfer to the home environment directly from the classroom.
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"Jogging" WebsitesI can use Jog the Web to create a list of websites with guiding questions for students to answer when they are browsing these websites. The main idea is for students to be looking through the websites provided by the teacher on a certain unit of study and be guided through them with the help of the questions or comments provided by me.
This type of internet use assures me that students are interacting with the websites but also doing so in a safe manner by only researching the websites provided through the list. Each student will therefore be on the same page when it comes to learning the content. |
For the EducatorAs a teacher, there are endless opportunities to create personal learning networks. Listening to podcasts and watching Youtube videos can be helpful when creating lessons or otherwise planning a classroom.
The TEDEd videos are a really useful to me because they highlight and discuss various important and influential aspects of the educational field. I can learn a lot through these sessions, especially as a new teacher still becoming familiar with the PLN field. |
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Online Student LoungesCreating virtual lounges students can congregate in and discuss or collaborate is a useful tool for me to have in my repertoire. This way, learning can occur outside of the classroom and not just within the immediate classroom environment. I can assign discussion topics, or students can freely discuss what it is they are learning or what they may need help with.
With all the social media that is available today, having a website that allows safe interactions to occur and that mimics the classroom environment is extremely helpful to have. |
Digital ToolsUsing actual digital and technological tools in the classroom can further expand student learning because this is an immediate way for technology to be incorporated into lessons.
Items such as iPads, Smartboards, and projectors in the class opens a new world of learning to students because there are so many endless opportunities at their fingertips. The key as an educator for me is finding appropriate, safe and effective tools to use in the classroom. |
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