While this is the case, I do find the use of certain elements of technology useful for students, especially in the case of the flipped classroom. Through the creation of wikis with the use of WikiSpaces and the use of instructional videos with tools like Jing, students can learn at their own pace and come to class prepared to work. I also find Blogger to be a useful tool for assessment; I think it'll work well as a way for students to complete written responses and other assignments of that nature in a way they might find more comfortable. This is especially when considering the fact that compared to our generation, future generations are going to be much more integrated with technology in their day to day lives.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Week 9 - March 28, 2012
One of the most challenging facets in the creation of a technology-infused unit plan lies within the fact that technology is not wholly and completely integrated in classrooms on a day-to-day basis...yet. As a result, there is no set precedent; I feel as though we as a class are learning an entirely new way to teach our students. I find the creation of a technology-infused unit plan difficult simply because we've learned to plan units without technology; with technology; the entire classroom environment is altered.
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Mike, I agree with you completely. I think that we are in the middle of an over transformation of our educational system in terms of the integration of technology. However, until that transformation is complete, if it ever will be, we will not know with certainty the level we should be incorporating various technologies.
ReplyDeleteIn my first fieldwork placement each classroom was equipped with a smartboard and numerous computers. In addition each teacher was provided with a laptop and the school had three tech support people on staff. A school like this is ready to fully integrate technology into each and every classroom. The one set back that they are facing is that they are not providing teachers with the necessary training.
The placement I have now is in an environment that has only one computer in each room with no smartboards. The computer is for the teacher to take attendance and not much else. They do have several labs, but for how big the school is, it is far from sufficient.
Until schools even out the technology gap I believe that many of us will feel unsure of how to fully integrate technology into every aspect of our teaching. It will also continue to feel as though school districts are throwing money at the problem with little thought of the efficiency of where that money is going.