As technology continues to grow in our educational society there is a growing need for all learners to be provided with the tools that would allow them to become life long learners. In order for me to adequately help the students to reach a high academic level of achievement, I must make sure that my classes are taught with all forms of technology. Technology usage would be specific and goal oriented. The room would be filled with resources such as books, maps, videotapes, technology and students can use them as needed to assist with goals. The grading criteria will be given so each child knows what is expected, along with activities that promotes critical thinking and open ended problem solving task. Basically, these kinds of activities would allow the learner to actively engage in collaboration, creativity, production and research. Also, the activities would be meaningful and totally engaging for all students. Projects are pertinent and questions are essential as they investigate from their own curiosity. As the facilitator in this environment, I would structure the activities so that all the students are not necessary working on the same activity at the same time.
In an article written by an article written by Harry Grover Tuttle, June l5, 2006 cited at
http://www.techlearning.com/article/13948 has many helpful examples of creating a technology infused classroom.
Another great example of a program that supports the principles of a technology infused environment is the Kent School District website: http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/KSD/it/inst_tech/TechClassroom/tech_classroom_index.html This website offers a variety of resources for teachers to use in their classrooms. It is also complete with examples of Smart Board lessons and online resources to use for research.
Last, watch this video to see where you are in this digital age of technology. The video is titled Brave New World
http://www.technologyintegrationineducation.com/videos/1024336
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteA great blog about the technology available and how to use it to engage kids. Having all the tools for a particular assignment along with blogs and ways to invite the class to communicate with one another, is almost a guarantee of success. Kids are inspired when they see what can be done, not what we think because of what we've been taught.
Our ways are gone and if we stick to them, we are holding the class back from experiencing what they need for the 21st century.
Thank you for including the video, it was great!
Nancy Bedard