Chapter 2 Understanding Educational Technology Issues and Trends, opened my eyes to a few ideas I had not thought about prior.
I grew up with technology in the classroom, but not the way students of today have. I went to school before the iPhone was invented, before iPads, and swiping things. The only technology we used consisted of overheads and laptops, and if we got to use laptops it was a very special day. Today some schools are getting iPads for every student and using technology that I could only have dreamed about. In many ways the students of today are very different than my generation, but we also have similarities. Although the technology has changed through out the years the people have not. There are still different types of learners today just like there was ten, twenty, fifty years ago. Below in the Prezi that I included you will see different types of learning styles. By knowing these types of learning styles you can incorporate technology in ways that are geared toward these specific learners.
As I continued to read Chapter 2 I wondered if every lesson plan could benefit from the use of technology. I've decided that if the technology enhances the lesson than every lesson can benefit, but if we use technology in one of our lessons just because, then I don't believe that it would be beneficial. I believe that as teachers and humans in general we should do our jobs with purpose. Technology is cool, but it is meant to be used as a tool, "to solve problems, and extend the human capabilities". (Maloy)
It was also brought to my attention that although I know many things about technology there are still plenty of things to learn. I had no idea how many apps and websites there were dedicated to learning, but as I've read this chapter and done my own research I've just begun to realized the limitless amount of technological tools we have access to today.
The one challenge I found after reading Chapter 2 is that when I become a teacher, how can I help solve the problem of unequal access to technology, because some families are blessed to have multiple technological devices at their disposal while others are not so fortunate. I thought about teachers who get to school early and say late just so students can use the schools resources. I think that that is a star, I would like to be part of a change that makes it easy for students to have easier access to technologies of all kinds.
Resources
30 of The Best Educational Tools for Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic Learners. (2003-2015). Retrieved from http://learningpath.org/articles/30_of_the_Best_Educational_Tools_for_Auditory_Visual_and_Kinesthetic_Learners.html
Edward, A. (2015, September 18). Learning Styles Within Our Classroom. Created with Prezi https://prezi.com/your/
Learning Styles. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles.shtml
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Roa, A. (2013, January 4). TEACHBYTES. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://teachbytes.com/2013/03/26/8-tech-tools-for-logicalmathematical-learners/
Great job on creating and embedding the Prezi - Creating with such a presentation tool serves not only to keep things a bit more visual and interesting, but when students create their own there's a level of learning that can't be replicated in the traditional classroom lecture! :) Fantastic attributions, as well - even for yourself. :) Your observation about the changes in technology and the idea that there is more to learn sometimes serves as a barrier for teachers - some fear change and are overwhelmed by the sheer increase in technology programs and applications. However, if you have a 'growth mindset' that seeks lifelong learning, it is simply a new challenge that provides rewards. I hope we can instill that in our students, as well.
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