After learning about all the various technologies that are currently available to teachers, one has to wonder how they can all be integrated into the classroom. The project based learning assignment is a great way to assess a variety of technologies for their potential efficacy in a classroom setting. Each form of new technology will have its strengths that can be utilized for different educational tasks. After all that’s been learned, the hardest part will be deciding how to apply these different forms of technology. In the following video, there are ten tips which could potentially help prospective teachers more effectively utilize technology in the classroom.
The amazing thing about modern day technology is that it is often driven by common sense. Once one becomes competent in using a number of forms of technology, new technologies are often simple to understand. In the classroom, students who have been using computers their whole life will often be able to figure out new technologies faster than the teacher. This means that instead of teaching students how to use technology, teachers will have to educate the students in the ethical use of many new forms of technology. Students need to learn how to navigate the online world safely, recognizing the potential hazards involved.
Teaching with technology requires one to be a ‘lifelong learner’ because technology is constantly evolving. In order to keep up to date, teachers have to educate themselves on new technologies and how to implement them in the classroom. Teaching is a thinking profession, and as such, teachers constantly have to think about to stay up to date in the field and “teach students well.” One would hope they are all up to the responsibility.
Good point on lifelong learner. It is very important I think that teachers stay true to this. We may argue that students know more about tech than we do. The old joke that the kids can teach their parents about computers is a bit misleading: kids can show adults how to use technology, but they are not really teaching as I understand teaching. Teachers need to understand, not just know.
ReplyDelete"...teachers will have to educate the students in the ethical use of many new forms of technology"
ReplyDelete^Yes. This. I'm still amazed at how adept young kids are at picking up technology and as a result, the nature of what we need to teach has shifted. No longer do we need to teach kids how to make a PowerPoint slides or operate a digital camera. Instead, we should focus on teaching students that codes of conduct and social decorum apply to the cyber world. Let's make kids aware of the far reaching impact of technology.