Chapter 3 opened up with a parent asking a teacher "Why are you emphasizing so much technology in your teaching?" I began to think of how I would have answered that question if I was in the teacher's shoes. True, technology does make teaching easier for the educator but it also makes learning a lot easier and funner for the student.There are a
list of reasons why technology is emphasized in education. It prepares the students for their future careers, expands diversity amongst learning styles and it encourages collaboration amongst students. Technology helps prepare students for the real world. Technology is only going to advance as time progresses so knowing how to operate each piece will definitely come in handy in the long run. I would also assure the parent that I would make sure my students know how to find information without computers, calculators and mobile devices. Solving problems by pen and paper and collecting information from a book will also be taught.
Chapter 3 also touched on 4 learning theories that I am a bit familiar with however, I learned how they infused these theories within technology. Older-style computer instructions were based on behaviorism, representing pages of graphics and text controlled by the computer. Cognitivsm is learning through memory and perception, which is used on program design and how the learner shares control with the computer. In constructivism, the implication for teaching is focusing computer activities on learning and constructionism is when students create their own computer learning games and software. Now it makes sense why teachers encourage computer based learning programs. Depending on what type of learner you are, there is something for everyone.
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Last but not least, I loved the idea of High Tech High.It gives the students the opportunity to learn with a more hands-on approach. Since that's the way I learn, I figured that schools, as such, would be perfect. The idea of teachers working in teams and students shadowing adults in the work field sounds like a great idea.
In conclusion, Chapter 3(Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful Technology) shows that there are many ways technology assists in education. It shows different and creative ways that children can learn and teachers can teach.
RESOURCES:
"High Tech High International (San Diego, California)." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2015.
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Wanwright, Ashley. "10 Reasons Today's Students NEED Technology in the Classroom." SecurEdge Networks. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.
I like the way you pulled in a supportive article (nicely hyperlinked, too!) as you reflected on the opening scenario. Although we may have some personal reasons for wanting to include technology in classroom lessons, it is always good to reflect on the true meaning of why we would want to invest in the hardware and software and how its impact would have a strong return on the investment.
ReplyDeleteGreat comic on the four learning theories - don't forget that you need to give yourself credit for the creation of any web 2.0/digital tool in your Resource section! I lean toward constructivism and cognitivism, but the eclectic nature of a good teacher would indicate they would use the theoretical foundation that is best for the student's individual situation. That said, I do believe that we need to have a view of some type of theoretical basis for our day-to-day instruction.