This week, in lesson one, our reading focused on the definition of technology, the definition of educational technology, technological standards, theories on learning and intelligence, and why we use technology in the classroom.
The term, educational technology, means different things to different people. To educators is includes any media that can be used in instruction. For technologists, it is defined as any hardware used in the classroom.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has established standards for the use of technology by students, teachers, and administrators. National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS*T) mandates the incorporation of technology in instruction and administrative tasks. I will use these standards in my classroom, to ensure that my daily procedures and lesson planning make proper use of various forms of technology to facilitate and inspire learning, expedite processes, and form responsible digital citizens in my classroom.
The reading gave a few examples of technology, which may be used in the classroom. I plan to take advantage of as many different types of technology as I can. The use of software programs can along with videos, slideshows, audio, and the Internet, can help to make connections with learners of all types whether visual, aural or tactile.
Theories on learning vary from Behaviorist, Cognitivist and Constructivist. Today’s educators are expected to take a holistic approach to teaching. Technology can overcome the challenge of teaching based on possibly conflicting perspectives, by offering diverse opportunities for learning. I will use software programs, which are based on the behaviorist model, in conjunction which other teaching methods.
One of my classroom goals is that upon completion of my course, students will be able to gather information on their own using multiple technologies and then will be able to use additional technologies to synthesize, present and share their findings with others locally and remotely. Through direct instruction, indirect student-led experimentation, and role modeling we will reach this goal. Students will not only be technologically literate and capable of succeeding in the fast-paced technology-driven world of the present, but they will also be responsible citizens in regards to their use of technology.
Children of today are different and so is the society that they live in. It is imperative that our classrooms break from the past and embrace the present state of technology in order to stay relevant and in touch with the children, which they serve. If not, the children of today will become the adults of yesterday, and underprepared for life.
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