Technology plays a vital role in education for students and teachers. Ever since I was in school I remember my teachers using things such as; televisions, computers, and radios to help further our education. Now these forms of technology seem out dated. Technology is a wonderful tool that helps the teacher implement their lesson even more. Technology is not a crutch but rather an accessory for teachers to have. Though these technologies are amazing and help us do so much, they are forever changing to become even better. Just with my twenty four years of existence I have seen so many different changes in technology and I know that there are many more to come. "Clearly, 21st-century educators will have to deal with issues and situations that their predecessors could not even have imagined. Both teachers and students must have the skills and knowledge that will prepare them to meet these new challanges and use these new and powerful strategies" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.19).
In my classroom today you would see a variety of technology being used. I really enjoy using my document camera and laptop as I teach the content of the lesson. Many lessons have PowerPoint or additional information that I am able to show them through these pieces of technology. I also enjoy using my AirLiner Slate, as I walk around the room to observe my students, I am still able to teach the lesson. However; my favorite technology is my iPad. I was recently granted the opportunity to participate in and iPad training and receive a free iPad for my classroom. In the training we were taught so many different ways to implement the iPad in our classroom for both whole group and small group settings. While using the iPad in my classroom, I would be able to integrate many of the direct and constructivist strategies. The iPad would defiantly help me to foster group cooperation skills, foster creative problem solving, promote skill fluency, and support self-paced learning. (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 48-50) I feel as though the iPad is a wonderful asset to any classroom.
In chapter two, it also lets us know that implementing technology in a classroom is not always going to be easy. Funding is always an issue in education, and without proper funding these tools become out dated or we never receive them at all. If we do have the proper technology, matching the technology to our state standards can be an issue. Also, getting permission slips and policies signed is a must. On page 68 it says, "The focus must be on how to use the technology resources in classrooms rather than just on technical skills" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). With that being said, teachers do how their work cut out for them. I know that technology makes a classroom more fun and innovative for both the students and the teachers. I truly believe that with implementing technology, especially an iPad, we will see both the interest and achievements of students go up.
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You are so right that technology is always changing! It is amazing that some of the things we grew up with are useless now-like tapes or floppy discs. I hope that I am able to keep up with technology as I continue to teach. I also agree that technology is great in a classroom-but sometimes difficult to afford. On my blog I posted a website that is supposed to be a great way to earn things for you classroom. It's called Donors Choose. I haven't used it yet, but some teachers at my school have used it and have earned great things for their classroom.
ReplyDeleteYes, teachers do have their work cut out for them! It's tough staying up-to-date with all of the new technology available! But looks like you are doing a great job! Technology has come a LONG way, hasn't it? From televisions and overhead projectors to smart boards. :)
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more! Technology is always changing. I can't imagine what will be in use at the end of my teaching career. I also get lots of use out of my document camera in my classroom. It is such a great tool to have. I also use PowerPoints on a daily basis whether it be for a new lesson, review, or a game for students. I enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteI too, like the ipad it is a wonderful technology tool to use in the classroom to help enhance learning and making the assignments more interesting and fun. My son purchased on for his ten month old baby girl and she enjoys playing with it.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. I can remember the televisions and huge computers in my classes and we were excitedv to have them. That is how our kids feel about the ipads and laptops, it motivates them to explore.
ReplyDeleteI learned to type on the manual typewriters and we had one electric typewriter that we had to rotate and use. If the school as a whole watched a movie it was on a reel to reel projector. My how things have changed! I use the iPad as well with special needs students. It provides a different format for learning for them, especially applications with interaction and animation. There are so many uses for the iPad that I am anxious to explore even more this next school year. Good work!
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