Our text this week talked about integrating technology and making it work. Integrating technology is way more that just using it to outline your lessons. It is much more than a PowerPoint. Though I would say for someone who is just starting to use technology in their Teaching, PowerPoint is a good place to start. The key is to move out of the traditional mode of teaching.
This is not to say that you should just take the technology and throw it out there without any instruction. It will take a lot of modeling and practice for the students to truly benefit from the use of technology. It is important to remember that even though the students take hold of their own learning the teacher does not just sit back and let the students run wild with their new 21st Century skills. Students should still be monitored and the teacher should still give input.
I have really been working toward a true integration of technology. I know I have talked about it before, but I am so enamored with the success that my students are having in their use of Edmodo. I have such a hard time getting my fifth graders to open up and actually participate in class. Now that I have given them an alternative method for discussion they have really taken the bull by the horns and are showing huge growth in their thinking. I have gotten away from leading small group discussions around a table to simply monitoring my students lead groups and giving input as needed. I never anticipated that my groups would be student lead but I am totally amazed!
The idea of using technology in the classroom excites as many teachers as it terrifies. Some do feel that with the advancement in technology actual teacher instruction will slowly go by the wayside. However, with the proper instruction and application, technology can greatly enhance any classroom.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, teachers need to feel confident in their technology usage before their students can truly benefit. Students will take their cue from their teacher on how to use and react to technology in the classroom.
I've never used Edmodo but it sounds like it is working well for your students. Having students not only participate in but lead discussions is a great feat!
I think from the beginning you have shown your passion for your students in this class. Sometimes students need something extra to feel comfortable to participate in class. Some may feel embarrassed or that their ideas aren't good enough. Edmodo gave them what they needed to really feel that level of comfort to express themselves. Sometimes all it takes is some initiative from the teacher to really find something to help the students excel. Kudos to you for doing that!
ReplyDeleteUsing technology in the classroom enables students to develop additional skills and understand the relevance of using transferable skills. The use of an Excel spreadsheet in graphing sentence structure allows students who are better inclined to math than English, use their strengths in working in a less intriguing subject. You brought up PowerPoint which, when used poorly can detract significantly from the presentation of material. However, when PowerPoint is used correctly, it can open up a host of possibilities for engaging learners with various styles. It can create interest and visual stimulation and offer students a creative method for developing presentations to demonstrate the knowledge acquired. I agree that technology can't be used simply for the sake of using technology. If it is use with knowledge, proficiency, and intent, it can create a learning environment that is both stimulating and interactive for students.
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