“Technology is used as an education tool to support learning goals. It not just a big calculator and is not used primarily to drill students. Instead, effective technology integration teaches students how to problem solve, how to think.” (Dean, 2008)
As I reflect on my learning so far in EDU 554, I’m applying many of the skills we’ve used in the course in my classroom. I’m using a class website now. In just the past seven weeks I have exposed my students to Wordle.net, digital photography, Excel spreadsheets, digital storytelling, and blogs. This class has supplied me with many new instructional ideas in the area of technology. Many of the Expert Reports created by fellow classmates included great recommendations for websites, software, and other multimedia resources. I’m looking into several virtual field trips right now and I’m introducing podcasts to the 5th and 6th grade students next week.
I expect my students will be affected positively by the changes and additions to my computer classes these past two months. The forms of technology I have integrated into our lessons are interactive and have real world relevance. Drill and practice exercises on the computer can be helpful but they are not as engaging as many of these new tools. These forms of technology also promote higher order learning, give students choices, and require more student problem solving. The result is students who come to class excited about technology and eager to learn the next new thing!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment