After reading Chapter 1 in Roblyer's book, I realized just how far education and technology have come. Roblyer wrote, “educational technology must focus both on the process of applying tools for educational purposes and the tools and materials used.” I think we sometimes get sidetracked with technology in education. Just because we have and use technology in our classrooms does not mean it is always used for instructional or educational purposes. I feel that I have great technology in my classroom, however, I feel that it is not always used effectively because there is so much more that I need to learn. I use a Smartboard in class everyday. I know I am not using it to its fullest potential because there is so much more that I need to learn. I've had one, one-on-one training session with a Smartboard technician, and that was last May. The technician said he could spend all day on Smartboard uses. It is sometimes frustrating because I want to know it all!
In reading the history of educational technology, I noticed the ever-changing advances in technology and its uses in the classroom. I was not around for the Pre-microcomputer era, or the Microcomputer era. However, I was around and do remember the Internet era. I remember my 6th grade teacher gathering us around the computer to show us the Internet. I remember that she searched on the Netscape Navigator browser. In middle school, we had time with the media specialist to teach us how to use the Internet and what “keywords” to type in to find what we were searching for. Today, we use the Internet daily and students have no problem finding what they want.
In reading the online book, I realized how much planning and collaboration goes into technology planning. Creating a vision, setting goals, having an action plan and a way to monitor progress are key components in developing a technology plan. In each component, collaboration is key. The difficult part for me, in reading and understanding this section, is that I always want to look at the whole. Technology planning starts with the “whole” and then breaks it down to measurable goals. Not only does the technology plan include the actual pieces of technology, it also includes and is focused on students and research.
Being in this class just a few weeks has me excited about the degree I'm pursuing and the opportunities for my future.
Hey Ashley.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about wanting to know all I can now about technology and how to best incorporate it and teach it in a way that is giving my students an authentic experience.
I actually have someone that can help me with Smartboard lessons that comes to the school every 2-3 weeks, which is great. The problem is that I don't know what to specifically ask for and so sometimes it applies to what I need and sometimes it doesn't.
That's really neat that you remember exactly where, when, and how you were introduced to the internet. Isn't it something that it's so different for our students now.
My first memory about having technology in my home was when my father bought a computer for our home. I was about 13. My parents had no idea how to hook it up. So my father had me do it. I had to even show him how to get on the internet. You are right about how technology is ever changing and while I am not advance or even near that, I find it crazy how as soon as you learn something, something new and better has een invented. I agree with you when you say that planning technology into education lesson plans is very difficult. There are some many things to consider when doing it and I find myself having a hard time doing it myself. however, what little i do with what I have, when I do it my kids seems to really enjoy it. I just hope that I am able to continue what I am doing and eventually be able to maximized my use of technology in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI was also in school at the beginning stages of the Internet Era. It is hard to believe how much has changed since then. Technology is everchanging and that can be very overwhelming for a teacher. Implementing technology into the classroom takes a lot of work. I know that when I'm planning on using some form of technology in the clasrrom, I have to feel like I really know what I'm doing before I let my students jump in. My 4th grade students can tell when I'm unsure about something or unprepared so it is important that I have done my research and properly planned out everything. This can definitely be time-consuming. I can see why some teachers choose not to deal with technology in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI also use the SmartBoard in my class everyday. I have found it to be a great tool that I and my students enjoy. We have had the SmartBoards for a few years so I have learned a lot just by trial and error. I recently found a company that is giving out a few online, self-paced course. It seems pretty neat. I have mine all set up, but I haven't started the course yet. I will post the article on my blog if anyone here is interested in using the course as well.
I feel really excited about the degree we are pursuing! These first classes have really sparked my interest and look forward to everything that is going to come our way!