Technology in the Classroom

Before taking this course, I was embarrassingly unaware of the new tools and technology being implemented in our schools and classrooms. I admit that I had never seen a Smartboard, never used iMovie, and my idea of a webquest was simply answering a few questions from a given website. I haven't even been out of school that long and it still seems like technology tools in education have grown leaps and bounds. The resources available to teachers are endless and I think it is so important for us to embrace them. Whether it be through teacher-centered instruction, student-centered instruction, or a hybrid of the two, there needs to be a strong presence of technology in our classrooms. I realize it is a bit intimidating to familiarize ourselves with these methods and tools, but I personally believe that I would be committing some kind of education mal practice if I don't find a way to do so. How would I be preparing my students for success if I am not allowing and encouraging them to use technology resources?

Believing in traditional educational methods is fine, but it is important to find a way to implement both in the classroom. Teachers need to focus on engaging students and let's be honest, technology engages them. The best chance we have is to use what interests them to build an interest in their education.

It's simple...
Would students be more engaged as you read through a powerpoint or as they interact with a powerpoint on a SMART board?

Would students be more engaged in reading through a textbook or in being sent on a guided WebQuest to investigate a topic for themselves?

Would students be more engaged watching a movie or being able to create their own movies or digital stories?

In my mind, the answers to these questions are obvious. Technology allows us to promote active learning and this is the type of skill they need to be successful in today's world.

Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling is a tool I was not familiar with at all before this technology integration course. It seems like an extremely beneficial tool to get children involved in their own learning. Although our course assignment was to create instructional digital stories, I think my classroom implementation would be to have the students create their own digital stories. An assignment like that would build upon their 21st century skills, allowing them to be creative and active in their investigation and presentation of their project. I also loved the idea from one of our readings about developing an award show type event for the students to display their digital stories and receive awards in different categories. An event like that would encourage students to really get into the assignments and would also build on the school or grade level community. The idea of winning awards is also extremely encouraging to students.
There are many different ways students could approach the topic of their choice and I think we might find that this autonomy over their learning will really inspire them.

I found some sites that seem easy to use and would be excellent tools to implement this kind of lesson or project. Check out the "Useful Links" section below to find them!

21st Century Learners

As educators, it is imperative that we prepare our students to be successful in their futures. Currently, one of the hottest topics in the world of education is teaching students 21st century skills. The push for use of educational methods that build upon these skills is extremely strong. The idea is that teachers need to prepare their students to be successful in the 21st century world. Students need to be taught how to learn and be able to actively participate in the learning process so that they are able to keep up with our evolving world. They need to be able to analyze and synthesize information, to be creative and innovative.

In my opinion, these types of skills are going to be crucial in a child's future success. In my classroom, I hope to find effective methods that promote these skills. I think most people who enter the teaching profession have the desire to be great. I am no exception to this. I have no desire to be an average or OK teacher. I want to be an awesome teacher and in order to be great, I think teachers need to figure out how to ignite a desire to learn in their 21st century learners.

I found some good websites with tips on doing so...