Sunday, January 22, 2017

Tech Tools Tools Importance for Teachers

We have learned there are all different kinds of apps for teaching, which is an important tool for any teacher to use in the classroom.  As a Teacher of the 21st century we need to use tools that are highly interactive, so gone are those non-computer based technologies,  such as blackboards and over head projectors, and hello to Web 2.0 tools. Many find it hard and don't like change.  I am  not that great when it comes to tech, so I took it upon myself to take the quiz ans mentioned in our book "What Kind of Tech User Are You?"  I scored 32% better than the public.  No so great, But this chapter really helps you to see that technology choices can make a difference.




The participants of Project Tomorrow  did a survey  that shows technology as a powerful way to motivate and engage students.  When you walk into a classroom you find many students are bored, disconnected, resentful, and will rush through work just to get it done quickly.  A high School in Indiana did a survey on Student Engagement (HSSSE) to show the pattern of boredom and alienation: many were bored, they spent very little time on homework, receive no feed back from teachers, some never discuss academics with their teachers, just to mention a few. Disaffection for school is one factor leading to students leaving high school before graduating.  And a key reason for dropping out was that classes are not stimulating or engaging enough (2013, pp.28)




Teachers usually tend to use technology for lesson planning, curriculum design, professional communication, and student information management more than assessing student learning or teaching 21st century skills (2013, pp.30) Some teachers have very little experience with technology, but they need to understand the potential of technology as an instructional tool.  when used correctly in the class you will see your kids are being challenged, motivated to learn, organized, and interacting positively. 




Teachers will come across other obstacles such as tech skills, personal attitudes, curriculum requirements, teaching schedules and organizational support.  Remember as a teacher you will always have obstacles when it comes to technology, there are no instant solutions.  Finding ways to overcome these hurdles comes with the job of being a teacher.






Resource:
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with new Technologies, 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

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