It comes as no shock to any one that we are living in a digital age. Whether we are at home, school, or work, we are surrounded by technology day in and day out. Most children today, grow up knowing how to use a computer or smart phone, and these children are the students of today. That's why it comes as no surprise that technology integration in the school systems plays a vital role. Pierson (2001) says, “Integrating technology tools into the curriculum is becoming an inseparable part of good teaching."
According to Pierson (2001), “A teacher who effectively integrates technology would be able to draw on extensive content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge, in combination with technological knowledge” This served true to when I was developing my unit on maps for first grade. I knew that the technology I integrated had to enhance student learning while being tied directly to the content (social studies) as well as my students, I had to give them a positive experience, one that would have them engaged and motivated.
The one struggle I had through my unit was which technology would best serve student learning. I had so many ideas and so many thoughts, but when I sat down to format them into technology I hit major roadblocks and soon learned that some ideas just were not feasible. I wanted to do so many things, have my students create their own pieces, but with first grade this is also hard. In the younger elementary grades, it is too hard for students to create their own product, so whole class instruction and products works best. When trying to think of ideas that would incorporate the whole class is what I caught hung up on. I could not get past the fact that the students would not be able to do the task, in some cases I think they would be able too but for the most part they can not.
It was also difficult for me to plan student technology activities because it is something I am not seeing being integrated now. In the classroom I am interning, there are only three computers for student-use, and I have yet to see the students use them! I have also learned that the computer lab is not available for teacher and class use, so planning all of these components was very hard, because I could not see it coming true or becoming a reality. I think if I had the resources, planning for student technology use in lessons would be much easier and more effective. I felt that was I was repeating the same technology over and over, I constantly wanted to make virtual field trips and webquests because these are things the class can do as a whole with the teacher leading the instruction.Now that I will be completing the last technology course here at High Point University, I feel very prepared for the my future as a technological savvy teacher. The classes have taught me varied and different ways to integrate technology into the classroom to help motivate students all while make learning more fun. In the future I plan to let my students use technology whenever possible, even if I only have 2 or 3 computers in my classroom! Whether the students blog, create a picture slideshow, create a wordle, have an online discussion board, complete a webquest or virtual field trip, I want them to experience all the joys technology can bring them! I have gained so much insight on how technology and differentiated learning strategies can be used in a classroom, as well as, what may work for some students and not for others. While I was searching for the different resources to use on my technology components and then seeing the final project made me realize how beneficial these activities could be to my future students and how it can make learning more engaging and fun; I kept saying, I wish my teachers did this for my class!
Overall, I believe that integrating technology into education, is it a must. We are a part of a new generation of learners who not only learn different but have constant access to technology, as stated by the 21st learner standards. I leave you with this video, A Vision of K-12 Students today, it is our job to engage them and help them learn.
Overall, I believe that integrating technology into education, is it a must. We are a part of a new generation of learners who not only learn different but have constant access to technology, as stated by the 21st learner standards. I leave you with this video, A Vision of K-12 Students today, it is our job to engage them and help them learn.
