Growing up in a very tech-centered society I was already somewhat aware of how much technology was integrated into our classrooms. I know some districts and schools are very well off, which ables them to provide more technology based learning environments for their students, and vise versa for the schools that aren't as well off. What surprised me the most was how many different ways technology can be used in a positive light to promote individual based learning for the unique needs of every student. I still don't think that the social aspect of school should be removed, but applying a new technological perspective to help children learn I think is fantastic. It really touched me to read that through technology students are able to take their learning environment into their own hands and feel a sense of control about what they are learning. It was also intriguing to read that with the use of technology, students can have a better handle on the higher learning goals which set for them, promoting high expectations and the needs to succeed. When used in the appropriate manner I was read that it truly helps develop students with higher-level thinking skills, creativity, and research abilities. These tools have been proven to be essential for when you are older in the work force.
Before reading the article, I was very much skeptical about technology being such a key part in our students educational world. But now having read what I have and been provided with numerous examples of how technology can complement education and the way teachers teach, shows me the great benefits that could come with this form of integration. Our society like mentioned before is very much tech driven and providing our students with the successful tools will give them the experiences and recipe for success. With such a big push for technology in our education system, major efforts need to be made to make sure that teachers are professionally and adequately taught to use this form of educating. If integrating technology into the classroom is proving to be beneficial for the students, and it being done in a safe, professional atmosphere, then absolutely there needs to be a technology function in our education environment.
Boss, Susie. (2011, September). Technology Integration: A Short History. EDUtopia. http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-history
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI just want to start off by saying, that I really enjoyed reading your post, and getting your perspective of the article. I found it interesting that you mentioned how some school districts are well-off, and able to accommodate their students with the technology to achieve higher levels of success in the class room. On the other hand, it is sad that some districts are not able to provide the luxury of technology to their students. Do you feel that this will create a larger "Achievement gap" between schools that have accessibility, and schools that cannot afford the technology? I also agree with you that we should not take out the "Social aspects" of learning. While I believe that it is great that technology allows students to take their own learning into their own hands, we cannot under value the importance of creating an environment in our classroom, that are based on communication and building relationships. I feel that as teachers, that is where we can educate our students, by allowing them the chance to communicate through technology, with the proper techniques.
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI found your post very enjoyable to read. I also found it touching that students are now able to take learning into their own hands by having technology available to them. I also think that it's pretty cool that they can set higher goals for themselves by going above and beyond what is required of them. I agree with your statement that a big push needs to be made so that teachers know how to use and how to enhance learning through the use of technology. What if some teachers are not properly trained to use technology, do you think the government will have to set up some type of workshops to help better prepare teachers? I also agree that if teacher are using the technology to enhance the children's learning and are properly trained on ho to use the technology to teach students material then I'm all for some technology within our schools.