As a classroom teacher, I see how technology is shaping education. Not too long ago I went through grade school. Looking back, I do not remember the use of so much technology. In classrooms today there is so much technology used in every part of the day. There is more and more emphasis placed on learning about technology and being able to use it effectively. It is not only important for teachers to be able to stay up to date on the latest technology, but it is just as important for them to be able to show that technology to their students. In our world today is essential for us to know about technology. The more we as teachers are able to use technology to facilitate learning in our classroom the better off and more prepared our students will be.
While looking into research over the topic I found some great articles filled with information. One article titled, “How Does Technology Facilitate Learning?” had information that I had never thought about before. In the article it talks about how computers are on the same level as teachers as far as teaching goes. However, if we use computers as a tool that students learn with instead of learn from then the students learning will increase. Within the article it talks about how technology should be used in the classroom as a partner instead of as a teacher in order to be effective. When you are a classroom teacher, you should be using technology to enrich your lessons and not to teach them for you. Students in every classroom have many different learning styles that need to be catered to. When you are trying to meet every student’s individual learning style technology could be a very helpful tool. Another article I found helpful to my research over this particular topic was an article titled, “Training Teachers for Using Technology”. Within this article, the author talks about how our increased access to information through all of the new technology is going to change how we educate children. In our world today it is important to provide children with the education they need to succeed and thrive in our competitive economy. By using technology to facilitate learning for students in our classrooms we are not only teaching them the topics required by our state, but we are also teaching them life lessons. When you are able to introduce a child to a new technology, you are providing them with a higher education. In this article it also talks about how if teachers would take some time or even attend workshops related to the growing technology it would pay off in the long run. When you are up to date and understand what you are teaching it is going to show and transfer to the students more effectively. The last research I would like to talk about came from an article titled, “Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Eight Keys to Success”. Within this article I found a lot of great information I will use to help me use technology to facilitate learning in my future classroom. This article talks more about how we as teachers have the biggest impact on how well technology works in our classroom. As a teacher, it can be intimidating to have to change how you have always done things. As an educator one must step out of their comfort zone and take a risk for their students. When you take the time to get to know technology and how to use it, it is definitely going to have its rewards. As a classroom teacher you need to be aware of the technology you are able to use and how to use it effectively. When you are educated in how to use the technology in your classroom, you are going to be able to use it effectively to help facilitate student learning.
Taking the time to research such an important topic has really been an eye opener. I found out a lot of great information, while also being able to see different views on the topic at hand. In the end, I now believe that using technology in the classroom to facilitate student learning is important. However, I also believe that it is crucial to the students learning that I keep up to date and become confident in my use of all technology. The most important aspect of being a classroom teacher is the growth of your students. I feel that with the right training and the right use of that training, technology will be an asset in my future classroom.
Watch this video for tips on how you can use technology in your classroom!
View this PowerPoint presentation to get some ideas of how to incorporate technology into your classroom!
I agree that technology should be used as a learning tool. Teachers should chose wisely the technology the facilitate in their classroom to make the learning meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statements that it is essential for teachers to know about technology, and that teachers should be using technology to facilitate learning in classrooms. Technology can be helpful in meeting various learning styles. For example, students in a math class can use a computer application to practice problem solving. Students can work at their own pace, and level of difficulty. I also believe that the more knowledgeable teachers are about technology the greater the impact will be in the classroom.
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