Weekly Discussion for 2/24/12

After seeing the presentation, I was shocked to see how technology has been viewed over the centuries. I think it is eye-opening to see how negatively people looked at innovative technologies. I also thought that it was interesting how important technology is becoming for education. I think that often teachers take the easy way out and use technology only as a crutch for what they already do. I think as newer teachers enter into the field, technology will be pro-actively used for the good of the students.

In order to prepare students for the 21st century, I believe that teachers should integrate the latest techniques of education, which includes use of technology. Students will need to know how to use a computer, use presentation and word processing software, and how to troubleshoot technological issues. Often students will have to deal with technological issues no matter what profession they enter into and it is important that, as educators, we prepare them for that. I found an article that agrees with that point and expands on it, stating that students should understand how to use collaborative online tools as well (http://edtechdigest.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/6-reasons-why-students-need-21st-century-skills/). Another website added that we should be teaching students about critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and self-direction as well (http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=369&Itemid=64)

I plan to bridge the technology gap between "Old School" and "New School" by using "older" style science experiments, but encouraging the use of spreadsheets and word-processing software to record data and write reports. Students would be able to create visual presentations of their data through programs like Prezi or create a blog on the experimental process.

For my educational artifact I created a word cloud using terms from chemistry and biology. This could be used for an anticipatory set for students entering my classroom for the first time.

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/4901246/ChemBio

EDL 305 Discussion - Appropriate Use of Technology

Technology is a wonderful tool and can be very illuminating for students if used appropriately. While technology can be useful for retaining old methods of teaching and redisplaying them in a new way, it is important to embrace the full capabilities of technology in the classroom. One way that technology can be embraced is to personalize learning to each student. Technology can make learning more personal by giving students a choice between several different Webquests topics, in science for example, and allow them to choose a topic that interests them. Students will be able to learn classroom material but in a way that interests them.

Technology is also a wonderful tool because it can engage the multiple intelligences postulated by Howard Gardner. Online videos can be used to stimulate visual and musical learners. Logical learners can be given online puzzles that are class material. Giving students an interactive example of classroom topics will allow for a greater retention of knowledge. Unique learners may also have their technological experience tailored to their specific needs. Because technology is easy to modify, instructors can better engage their unique students. Additionally, technology can show students real-world examples of things they learn in school. Once students are able to apply classroom learning to occurrences outside the classroom and deepen their understanding of the topics, there is a stronger retention of the material. Ray Gen discusses the importance of using multiple intelligences in technology on http://www.usdla.org/html/journal/MAY00_Issue/story02.htm. It is also discussed on http://www.nsba.org/sbot/toolkit/tiol.html the different ways that technology may be included to stimulate multiple intelligences.

As far as the digital divide in K-12 settings is concerned, digital citizenship is an important factor to take into account when allowing students to use technology. Before any instructor employs technology in their classroom, they should educate students on the dangers of the Internet and proper usage. This will create the wall between students and dangers of inappropriate technology usage. Technology can be a powerful tool in the classroom, but one must treat it correctly and seek new ways to reach students rather than the traditional methods.