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.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

21st Century Teacher

First, technology plays such a vital role in teaching today.  Things have changed since I was young, we used type writers, computers (to big and bulky to carry around) and over head projectors.  And we had to carry a boom box to listen to music.  Children today are exposed at a very young age to technology, infants, toddler, and preschoolers are called digital children.  Before the age of 5 most children have learned  to use some type of electronic, and probably better than their parents. Todays generation of youth are members of the iGeneration.  They have grown up using internet, computers, smart phones, tablets and social media (2013, pp. 3).  That is why it is impotant for me to educate myself as much as possible, I am not the most technical person but I am willing to learn so that I can teach my students.

Second, when I think of myself learning about technology I only thought about the gadgets and figuring how to use them.  The information in the text book really helped to broaden my thinking.  It has been a long time since I have been in a classroom, but the new tools teachers have today helps them to transform each learning activity.  And there are three primary ways that the technology is used: Inside the classroom instructional tools, outside the classroom professional resources and inside and outside the classroom learning resources (2013, pp.7). These tools are used to (1) help access and asses information online, (2) catalog and manage information online, and (3) structure how students will use information to promote critical thinking, creativity problem solving, and inquiry thinking (2013, pp.8)

Third, my role as a teacher will be to create exciting and effective learning experiences that will stimulate interest and and curiosity.  So what can I as a 21st century teacher to promote this within my students?  I need to start with a digital identity, this will help me identify what I can do with technology.

Image result for teacher digital identity

In conclusion, The information in this chapter has helped to show how technology has changed how students are learning and teaches need to use and continue learning about technology.  Using it as a learning tool to stimulate creativity and interest in students.