What do students of the 21st century need to be successful? This is a question that varies from generation to generation. As referred to in "Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom", "The digital or net generation is one that has grown up in a world that is constantly changing in terms of the use and ubiquity of computers." Today, students are more technology savy than ever. As students accelerate also comes the need for the classroom to adapt as well. The use of technology is something that will help with students’ success throughout life, to incorporate that while they are learning is the key.
The video "Did You Know" by Karl Fisch and Dr. Scott McLeod was not that surprising to me. Technology is continually challenging each year. Even though I wasn't surprised by how quickly technology is changing, it was simply amazing seeing all of the data points in the video. I have a laptop that I purchased when I graduated from high school in 2006, it's amazing to me how much technology has changed from then to now only 4 years later. When I use my laptop I feel as though I am using an ancient device. This alone shows me how rapidly this change is occurring. Not only am I seeing change in computers, I am also noticing the change in the capabilities of cellphones. Now many Americans use cellphones to surf the web, check social sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter and send emails with attachments. Just a couple year ago this wasn't as easy.
The question was posed, "Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us? This is a very interesting question. It's a proven fact that technology has changed over the years but are we as educators adapting to the change. Adapting to the change doesn't mean just using technology in the classroom to occupy time. It pertains to making the technology that is being used in the classroom useful. When I was doing my senior internship, I integrated technology into many of my lessons. As a class my students and I worked with the smart board on a daily basis. We used the smart board to create digital stories and storytelling. This gave my Kindergarten students the chance to practice and enhance their writing skills. When I begin teaching and have a classroom of my own technology is something that I will integrate into my lessons. By introducing my students to a diversity of technology usage it will help with their future success because technology is everywhere and integrated into every aspect of an individual’s life.
Shelly, G. & Gunter, G & Gunter, R. (2010). Teacher Discovering Computers Integrating technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. (6th Ed.) Cengage Learning
Samantha, I agree completely with you, seeing the movie Did You Know was a real eye-opener! The technology we have today is so different from when we were in public schools (could you have imagined using a portable laptop lab when you were in the fourth grade!?). I did my internship in a fourth grade classroom, and was amazed at all of the tools they have for learning that I never would have imagined just a few years ago. As teachers this can be both very exciting and also intimidating. It can be difficult to keep up with learning, evaluating and incorporating these new technologies into our classrooms.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you, but this is the first time I have ever used blogging. I was a bit hesitant at first in getting used to using blogs and hootcourse, but now after getting the hang of them both, I feel that they are both great learning tools. I think this can be the same in our classrooms, even though it may not initially seem "easy" or "convenient" for us to take the time out of our already hectic day to try something new, the benefits for our students' learning is always worth the effort.
I find it very interesting that you brought up your experience using smartboards and storytelling activities with kindergarteners. All I can really say to that is WOW! When I was in Kindergarten, I didn't even know what a standard desktop computer was, and my teacher definaately never had the opportunity to use BrainPop! learning videos or document cameras, much less digital boards. I think that introducing students to technology at such a young age can be very empowering for them, and isn't that what we are here to do? It sounds to me like you are going to do a great job finding and using new technology to help empower your future students!
It really is sad when a laptop is considered "ancient". I finally am able to use one in my classroom (I'm thrilled!), but only if I stretch an ethernet cable 20 feet across the room. It really is amazing how fast technology is changing. I liked how you pointed out how the technology that we use in cell phones has rapidly changed and continues to do so. I'm glad you're ready and willing to embrace using all kinds of technogy in your classroom when you start teaching. There are plenty of resources out there. I know Megan mentioned BrainPop! (which is fabulous!), but I'd also like to mention that your class can communicate with NASA employees via Skype. They have a whole education department with tons of ways to incorporate science and of course technology.
ReplyDeleteThe "Did You Know" video wasn't surprising to me either, but it was amazing to see all the facts lined up like that. I also believe that integrating technology is crucial to reaching our students and improving their learning. I think that students need to learn problem solving and adaptability so that they will be able to adjust to the rapid changes in our world. The only problem is that the education system is often slow to change and with the scripted curriculum we're now given, teachers often aren't allowed to improvise much.
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