As a teacher in this ever changing digital age I know that it is both my duty and responsibility to be up to date with the newest technologies, and to implement as many as possible into my classroom. With SMART boards, iPads, laptops, desktops, and other devices students can be constantly connected in the same way that many adults are – as part of that interconnected web of learning. The most trying task for a teacher in this age of technology is not only how to use it in the classroom, but also what to use. There are so many different apps for different tasks and different devices for different jobs…and to make it just that little bit more confusing everything is constantly changing and advancing. Just when you think you’ve figured out the newest device…surprise, there’s a newer model with just enough changes to set you back completely!
For teachers it is especially current that we stay up to date on what is new and current because we can be absolutely positive that our students are. Outside of the classroom devices are almost as common as household pets; we can sure that each of our students has seen, or owns, some sort of device in their homes. What is even more critical is that we can be sure that the second these students leave the education system they will be required to use these devices, and the skills that come with them in all jobs, in all fields of work. We need to make sure that we are setting our students up for success in the future; this no longer means just the three R’s, this now includes typing skills, research skills, inquiry skills, digital communication skills, problem solving skills, collaboration skills… and the list goes on. As a teacher I need to use technology in the classroom as a means of setting my students on the right path to success and learning.
So, the big question is how will I do this? How can I do this? Most classrooms come equipped with either a white board or a chalkboard, but not it is also very common to step into a classroom and see a SMART board. Unfortunately, many teachers are not educated on how to use these devices and they are being used as a glorified white board and projector combination. On my first practicum I was lucky enough to be in a classroom with a SMART board and could see firsthand how engaging this device is in any lesson. I was able to have the students up and participating in the lessons, they could demonstrate their thinking to the class on the board, we were able to make great interactive presentations, we were collaborating on documents as a class, and I could pull up videos and articles for the students to watch and follow along. The SMART board illuminated our learning so that all students could become one big learning community rather than working independently at their desks. It also gave us access to the internet so any time we had questions or wanted examples we could pull them up in a moment’s notice. In the future I hope to have a SMART board in my classroom, and if I do I will make sure I remain current on the software and capabilities of the device so that I can use it to its full advantage for my students.
I will close by quickly touching on the four functions that technology will have in my classroom: inquiry, collaboration, curriculum, and fun. Students will be able to use devices (whether they be laptops, tablets, or desktops) to research, seek clarification, or explore new ideas or questions that they have throughout their learning. I will teach my students to collaborate with one another and with me through the digital networks such as a class blog or website. Students will learn about online communication, and will be able to follow along with the learning of their classmates through these digital connections. I will introduce my students to various apps that support the topics outline in the curriculum to aid them in learning. Some of these may include things as simple as calculator or dictionary, or go as in-depth as popplet or edugames. And lastly fun, children know that these devices are a gateway to millions of apps for gaming, and as a teacher I encourage this. I will show my students education but fun games and applications that allow them to use these devices in an enjoyable way, while still allowing them to become more and more acquainted with the technology. Students will get to experience these four areas with the technology in my classroom, while also developing the ever important skill of self-regulation. The battle with devices in the classroom is that balance between using them for education purposes, and breaking the student’s premonitions that these devices are toys (as they generally are in the home). I will need to be firm (but fair) with my students in emphasizing that at school these devices are tools for learning and should be treated as such.
I think the digital age or technology in the classroom is just in its early years now, and that through my years as a teacher in the classroom I will see many more changes in this learning revolution. Technology is constantly changing, so to remain the best teacher I can be I will need to change with it.
For teachers it is especially current that we stay up to date on what is new and current because we can be absolutely positive that our students are. Outside of the classroom devices are almost as common as household pets; we can sure that each of our students has seen, or owns, some sort of device in their homes. What is even more critical is that we can be sure that the second these students leave the education system they will be required to use these devices, and the skills that come with them in all jobs, in all fields of work. We need to make sure that we are setting our students up for success in the future; this no longer means just the three R’s, this now includes typing skills, research skills, inquiry skills, digital communication skills, problem solving skills, collaboration skills… and the list goes on. As a teacher I need to use technology in the classroom as a means of setting my students on the right path to success and learning.
So, the big question is how will I do this? How can I do this? Most classrooms come equipped with either a white board or a chalkboard, but not it is also very common to step into a classroom and see a SMART board. Unfortunately, many teachers are not educated on how to use these devices and they are being used as a glorified white board and projector combination. On my first practicum I was lucky enough to be in a classroom with a SMART board and could see firsthand how engaging this device is in any lesson. I was able to have the students up and participating in the lessons, they could demonstrate their thinking to the class on the board, we were able to make great interactive presentations, we were collaborating on documents as a class, and I could pull up videos and articles for the students to watch and follow along. The SMART board illuminated our learning so that all students could become one big learning community rather than working independently at their desks. It also gave us access to the internet so any time we had questions or wanted examples we could pull them up in a moment’s notice. In the future I hope to have a SMART board in my classroom, and if I do I will make sure I remain current on the software and capabilities of the device so that I can use it to its full advantage for my students.
I will close by quickly touching on the four functions that technology will have in my classroom: inquiry, collaboration, curriculum, and fun. Students will be able to use devices (whether they be laptops, tablets, or desktops) to research, seek clarification, or explore new ideas or questions that they have throughout their learning. I will teach my students to collaborate with one another and with me through the digital networks such as a class blog or website. Students will learn about online communication, and will be able to follow along with the learning of their classmates through these digital connections. I will introduce my students to various apps that support the topics outline in the curriculum to aid them in learning. Some of these may include things as simple as calculator or dictionary, or go as in-depth as popplet or edugames. And lastly fun, children know that these devices are a gateway to millions of apps for gaming, and as a teacher I encourage this. I will show my students education but fun games and applications that allow them to use these devices in an enjoyable way, while still allowing them to become more and more acquainted with the technology. Students will get to experience these four areas with the technology in my classroom, while also developing the ever important skill of self-regulation. The battle with devices in the classroom is that balance between using them for education purposes, and breaking the student’s premonitions that these devices are toys (as they generally are in the home). I will need to be firm (but fair) with my students in emphasizing that at school these devices are tools for learning and should be treated as such.
I think the digital age or technology in the classroom is just in its early years now, and that through my years as a teacher in the classroom I will see many more changes in this learning revolution. Technology is constantly changing, so to remain the best teacher I can be I will need to change with it.