Technology Integration

Before I took Learning Through Technology, I fully intended on integrating technology in my future lessons. I thought that my knowledge of available technology was sufficient enough to reinforce lesson plans I used or projects I wanted to assign. However, this class has allowed me to become aware of my ignorance! I really had no idea of the vast amount of tools that are accessible through the web.

As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I haven’t quite gotten a hold of building my PLN/PLC. However, I have it in mind to keep up with blogs that I currently follow, for I have found a couple so far that have given me an extensive amount of tools, hints and websites. This information is valuable, not only to my future teaching career, but will also be useful during my own scholastic projects.

My new awareness and knowledge of what exists out there definitely motivates me to use more technology in the classroom. I think because technology advances at such a rapid rate, there’s going to be an advantage for students whose teachers provide them with current tools and skills. Not only will computers and electronics contribute to a quality lesson, but will also make the students more proficient in the kinds of equipment used in a variety of jobs.

I think using technology engages students in a way that books and lectures can’t achieve. Sure, I actually like reading in order to absorb information, but I honestly don’t think I can expect the current generation of children to learn how I learned. I believe today patience is a dying quality, at least when it comes to obtaining information. With cell phones in every pocket, computers and everything on-demand, I imagine it may be harder for today’s student to learn without technology. I want to keep the children engaged and I intend to do so using any podcasts, websites, web tools, programs, streaming videos, voicethreads, web maps and animations I can get my hands on. As long as I can apply the tools to the frameworks, I will present the children with as much technology and I can.

amount assign aware awareness career children computers contribute current exists expect far follow found frameworks future generation going imagine information keep knowledge learn learned lesson lessons mentioned obtaining plc pln previous proficient programs projects provide quality rapid reading students teachers technology think thought today took tools used wanted web websites

created at TagCrowd.com

My PLN journey

So, I’m not going to lie. I kind of don’t really get it yet. I just started my grad program, so I’m no where near being a teacher yet, which also means I have no idea what to look for in my PLN. I suppose just becoming more aware of tools that are out there is very helpful. Perhaps when I am a teacher I’ll be able to apply some of these things to a lesson. I guess right now, I’m having a little trouble seeing the “big picture.” I have every intention of expanding my PLN, just because you never know when some of these things can come in handy. If I continue to keep myself relatively current with the available technologies and web tools out there, that will make me a more effective teacher in the long run. As of right now, I use Facebook but that’s on a personal level. I’m still trying to figure out blogs, tweets, nings, and podcasts etc. Once I have been in the program longer and have established my “roots” in my PLN, I will be able to use it more efficiently. As of right now, I feel kind of like I’m lost in a foreign country!

Providing Equal Access

Providing equal access is a difficult task. Let’s also keep in mind that equal access is not the same as access equity. There are many students with different learning styles, disabilities and access issues to take into account when planning lessons. Students with any disadvantages must be given the same opportunities to use technology. “Ensuring equity means that all students--regardless of class, race, culture, gender, socioeconomic status, or physical limitations--have equal opportunities to participate in meaningful and authentic applications of educational technology.” (Bell 1997)

In an ideal world, every student would go to a school that has proper funding for technology, technologically savvy teachers and access to the “digital world” from home. More often than not, this isn’t the case.

The question is how do schools/teachers provide students with equal access to the digital world?

The answer…

Prepare for every obstacle you may encounter.

It’s important to know your students, their limitations or gifts and, if possible, any information about family background/culture. It’s also imperative to find out to what your school has access. Does your school have a technology coordinator? (Bell 1997) How many computers, TVs, DVD players, or digital whiteboards does your school have? (Bell 1997) Is your school equipped with tools for the deaf, blind or non-English speaking students? The more teachers know about the population they’re working with, the more successful they may be in giving them all the same opportunities.

The important thing is that even if students don’t have the capacity to do a project the same way as everyone else, there must be an alternative. And if students don’t have access to technology at home, then the technology and time must be provided for that student(s). If there isn’t enough time for all students to access the technology for a “decent” amount of time, then maybe jobs could be assigned and computers/equipment could be shared. There’s always going to be “what ifs?” when it comes to creating lesson plans, but teachers can learn a lot from others’ experiences and suggestions.

Reference:
Bell, Rosemary. "Critical Issue: Ensuring Equitable Use of Education Technology."
North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. 1997. Web. 14 July 2009
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm

Why is it important for a teacher to evaluate a website?

The Web can be a great resource for teachers. Everyone with access to the internet also has access to loads of information that they may not find in their local libraries. Where does this information come from? Well, the answer is, anywhere, everywhere and from anyone. It seems today, everyone and their brother have a website. The problem is, the authors of websites can be merely trying to sell you something, or has written their information without proper research or editing.

It’s important to study the pages you want to use to look for things that validate the website’s accuracy. A teacher could check if the site is an original source or just copied from someone else’s work. It is also important to see if the article/webpage is published by a reliable company. Teachers should also look at when pages have been updated and if the site is dated at all. You don’t want to supply your students with outdated data! In general, the sites you use should have other links, documentation, author(s), dates/updates and lack of advertisements.

So, be sure to check these things or you may be feeding your students some bogus scrap.

What is Technology Integration?

Technology integration is basically using technology in the classroom in order for students to help retain information or understand the lesson on a more in depth level. I think it means more than just using computers for word processing or making a powerpoint presentation. Technology integration can mean demonstrating new tools on the web that students may have never even known about.

Technology is is becoming more and more widespread every moment. Careers from teaching to car mechanics to doctors involve computers for either programming uses or for connectivity. Getting experience with as many tools as possible during one's school ages can be extremely beneficial in whatever career direction taken.

One concern I have about technology integration is the phasing out of traditional methods of teaching. I mean, once we've taught our children to communicate through emails, blogging, pod/webcasts, twitter, facebook and whatever else is out there, what happens to the face to face communication and personal connection between student and teacher? I, for one, am concerned about gaining trust and respect from students if they spend their time staring at a computer instead of interacting with me in class. Perhaps I'm being unreasonable, but what's the stopping point? I mean, when I have children, will I have to "plug them in" for them to learn something?