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The sky is the limits for the students of the 21st century, only if we can introduce them to all the technology out there and teach them to use it in the classroom and real world. Technology/web 2.0 tools only make student work and collaborative learning that much more productive. People/students are able to communicate faster, retrieve data faster, work with people from all over the world, and all at the same time. Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills.
Effective technology integration must happen through out the curriculum in ways that research shows strengthens the learning process and successful integration is reached when the use of technology is routine and transparent. There is so much out there that can catch the interest of students when using technology such as scratch, animato, netvibes, skype, and wikkis. Another good thing about using technology and web 2.0 tools is that most of them are free and compatible with many of today’s media devices.
A school that is correctly implementing technology is changing the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach all types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple methods. Technology also improves the relationship between teacher and student. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and enjoyable.
In order for teachers to effectively integrate technology, they need to be fairly proficient in using it. Knowing the many things that are out there to match the various interest and types of learners can be a daunting task. Finding good blogs and developing a network of tech savvy peers has been very helpful in keeping up with the possibilities that can be offered to our students.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen technology implemented well in any schools you have been in? What was working? How do we correctly implement technology into the schools or how would you do it for your own school if you could? I wonder if you could begin small workshops with interested teachers first and get the willing on board first and then once the willing are trying small integrated projects, they can then enlist some on the fence teachers. It is difficult and you will never gain the support of all, but it is a lot easier to attract the willing first. It makes me think of a post I read from Kim Cofino. "Work with the willing"
ReplyDeleteI loved Kim Cofino's article "Work with the willing". Where do you find this stuff, Kim?
DeleteI also think technology can increase student engagement and productivity if it is well integrated in the lessons. If students can focus on the content and NOT the technology then integration has been successful. You have some great links for using Web 2.0 tools which I will share with some "willing" teachers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the "start with the willing" model to a point. It used to be when a new program was brought in, teachers could train slowly and move into it a little at a time. That can still be done with technology but the time frame needs to be reduced a little. Technology is moving to fast for teachers to take a few years to start trying things.
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