Question 3: What role do educational technologies play in teaching and learning?
While we all agree that technology has a place in the classroom, we have to make sure it is used appropriately. When teaching a subject a teacher has to complete his instructional planning before adding technology. The teacher must have a clear plan for what he is teaching and how he should reach that goal.
I enjoyed the discussion of learning environments in this chapter. This is a place where technology can be used, possibly indirectly. “Stations” are used in many classrooms where different activities and lessons are taught in different regions of the classroom. Using technology certainly helps designing these environments. Complex climate control systems can be put into use if the teacher wishes certain areas to have different climates. Also, often today we see a “station” for computer learning, but technology should not be relegated to one station! Many areas could be outfitted with technology for learning all sorts of subjects.
The section on media and methods discussed how to use media (audio, visual, and digital resources) to carry out your methods (strategies to achieve lesson objectives). Media is used every day by teachers and does not have to include technology in the way we think about it today. It may be “old technology:” posters, bulletin boards, models, etc, but it may include technology of the types we are used to. A presentation teaching method, for instance, can be implemented using old technology media, but also by presentation software and the use projectors or monitors. A demonstration method is also a clear candidate for the use of technological media. Obviously, teaching software is easy to convert to a model of demonstration with the students following along on their own computers.
As the book and I have already mentioned, teachers must make sure to develop their teaching plan before implementing technology. Using technology simply for the sake of using technology will not be effective. It must serve a clearly defined purpose in the teaching of the subject, otherwise it’s misuse could represent severely misappropriated funds!
Blog Reflection Week Ten (Website)
14 years ago
I appreciate your reference to the spectrum of educational media. With advances in technology, that spectrum is getting broader all the time. We certainly don't want to overlook proven media and methods just because they aren't technology-oriented. Sometimes the low-tech solution may be the most effective and efficient in certain situations. The kinesthetic learner in particular may benefit from the concrete, manipulative aspects of a model. What is important is that educators be well-versed in all available media so they can make informed decisions about which media will best support the instructional plan.
ReplyDeleteYour point about learning stations was interesting. I see these centers or stations as an way of differentiating instruction, as well. During "center time" the teacher can provide specialized instruction or remediation to individuals or small groups while the rest of the class is engaged at the centers.
The point you made on the proper implementaion of technology into course work is very important. As new forms of technology become avaliable educators should be properly trained on the areas in which the technology will be best used.
ReplyDeleteCenter time has become avery popular aspect of classrooms today. This time provides reinforcement of skills and provides students with an opportunity to work independently. These centers can definitely be used for more than computer skills. Other activities such as blogging as practice for Dibles testing or a research assigment would be appropriate in this setting.
Great job in reflecting and commenting
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