Technology in Education
During my education courses Curriculum in Middle/Secondary Education and Literacy in Middle/Secondary Education, we have spent some time over the past few weeks discussing the impact and implications of adding technology within the classroom to produce a more dynamic learning environment. In doing so we produced several mock documents to inform parents and guardians as a school might when first incorporating a new personal technology into the classroom. In particular, I helped draft a mock letter to families detailing a fictional iPad initiative and a fictional technology contract for parents and students. Both of these items encouraged me to see the issue of technology through multiple lenses with an understanding of the diverse needs and concerns of individuals in my community.
Personally these projects manifested the growing tolerance I've developed with the concept of digital learning. While I recognize that there are several serious drawbacks and compromises with technology implementation, I know that there are also a slew of reasons why digital learning is essential. When technology is used in learning, students are more independent for better or for worse. While digital learning can serve as a distraction, it often acts as a way to deepen understanding, increase efficiency, and practice applicable skills. Technology is restricted at some schools due to the cost of implementation or the adversity of changing the way educators structure their curriculum. However many schools today are in fact embracing digital learning and teaching, which makes sense considering the current mediums people use to complete their professional work.
As a future STEM educator, I recognize the importance of technology in my curriculum. It makes sense for me to facilitate students' learning experiences with technology so that they can understand and appreciate the power of computers as a mathematical tool. Additionally though, this requires that I seek out additional practice and preparation in coding mathematics. Students need to see the output and ease technology offers in solving long or challenging computations, but I first must develop the competency with computer programs to produce documents that can assist students in this discovery process.
Mock Initiative Letter
Personally these projects manifested the growing tolerance I've developed with the concept of digital learning. While I recognize that there are several serious drawbacks and compromises with technology implementation, I know that there are also a slew of reasons why digital learning is essential. When technology is used in learning, students are more independent for better or for worse. While digital learning can serve as a distraction, it often acts as a way to deepen understanding, increase efficiency, and practice applicable skills. Technology is restricted at some schools due to the cost of implementation or the adversity of changing the way educators structure their curriculum. However many schools today are in fact embracing digital learning and teaching, which makes sense considering the current mediums people use to complete their professional work.
As a future STEM educator, I recognize the importance of technology in my curriculum. It makes sense for me to facilitate students' learning experiences with technology so that they can understand and appreciate the power of computers as a mathematical tool. Additionally though, this requires that I seek out additional practice and preparation in coding mathematics. Students need to see the output and ease technology offers in solving long or challenging computations, but I first must develop the competency with computer programs to produce documents that can assist students in this discovery process.
Mock Initiative Letter
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| Technology Contract |
Rob, I liked how you touched upon the importance of professional development and being familiar with a wide range of technological tools in order to adequately assist students. I wonder what are the compromises you mentioned with technology implementation and how those could be addressed among teachers, parents, and school communities?
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