Technology in the classroom is a must. I have learned that incorporating technology in any classroom is possible and doesn’t have to be overwhelming or too complicated. Teachers need to accept the fact that we are living in a digital age with digital natives as students; the most effective way to reach, inspire, and connect with our students is through technology. The learning process has transformed, and now the teaching process needs to follow. As a professional teacher, I now feel more confident using various pieces of technology to enhance my teaching skills. In addition, I believe that with my classroom technology knowledge, I can challenge my students to use technology to enrich their activities and projects.
As educators, we are teaching in unique times. We can no longer rely on the standards, curriculum and textbooks to teach our students. We cannot continue believing that our “old ways” of teaching are good enough. We need to tie those (somewhat outdated) resources in with 21st century learning skills that actually prepare students for their futures using critical thinking skills, problem solving, and collaboration. We need to shift our roles into facilitators in our students’ learning. Having first-hand experience, and throughout discussions with my peers during this course, I see and extreme value in introducing these new and improved tools to help students learn.
My perspective has changed from teacher-centered to learner-centered classroom environments. Often times, teacher-centered lessons require students to memorize information that is not connected to their personal lives or interests, or offer no value in their mind. Learner-centered lessons and activities allow students to see value, make connections, find interests, and have a voice. Finding ways to facilitate student learning through learner-centered activities provides a more meaningful lesson that students feel part of, and in turn, are more likely to retain. Finding new and improved ways to empower students can be difficult, but through such a large network of blogs, websites and online forums, teachers can stay abreast during these ever-changing times. In addition, many of us have student experts that can teach us a thing or two in the area of technology!
Feeling excited and ready to go with technology in my classroom, one of my goals is to educate my administrators and colleagues on incorporating simple technology-based activities in their classrooms. Although many are overwhelmed by the idea, if I can demonstrate to them the ease at which it can work, and even use my excited students to assist, I can work with them to begin transforming their thinking. One idea is introducing one new technology activity at each of our faculty meetings. Another goal of mine is to have an ongoing class blog and wiki page in my classroom by the beginning of next year. I hope to train my students and allow them the eventually take over the editing and posting process. Facilitating these types of learning activities will allow them to collaborate and problem solve.
Beginning this course, I had a positive attitude about the incorporation of technology, but thought all that meant was using a Smart Board or assigning students projects to complete on the computer/internet. My understanding has changed. Technology in the classroom has to do with using technology skills to communicate, question, collaborate and create. Finding ways to introduce these powerful tools to students can and will lead to preparing them for their successful futures in the digital age we live in.
meganedtech 