Presentation Technology
Technology has come a long way over the past few years. Using technology in a classroom setting is a bit controversial. Some people think of it as a positive asset where others find it unnecessary. I understand how technology is viewed as a teacher trying to replace the actual teaching part of their job, however, I do not intend to use technology like that in any way. I feel that using technology in my classroom makes me an even better teacher. As far as my beliefs, I see it as a tool to enhance instruction in my classroom.
How Technology Will Enhance My Teaching
When used properly, technology can be an amazing asset to classroom instruction. There is truly a difference in attention from students when technology is involved. It makes learning exciting, speaks to students on their level, and shakes up the everyday routine. In fact, the Technology and Education Reform states that the motivational advantages technology brings provides a setting in which more students are able to excel (n.d.). Technology improves my teaching because of these factors. While traditional classroom instruction is important as well, using technology in the classroom will help speak to those students who get bored easily and need something to grab their attention. According to Ellen M. Granberg, as more technology is being brought into the classrooms at Vanderbilt University, faculty is seeing students are much more involved in their education as well as the quality rise in classroom discussion (2000). Notice, however, that the pros of technology come when it is used properly. I strongly believe that everything should be used in moderation. Students should also learn how to complete tasks without relying on technology, especially since technology can be very unreliable. Should there be an unexpected power outage or devices stop working, students need to know how to carry on without them while still being able to learn and complete assignments. Too much of anything is never good.
Technology Tools I Plan to Use
When people think of technology being used in the classroom, I often feel like their assumptions jump to sitting children in front of the television. Now, those assumptions are not entirely wrong. I find that watching educational television is an excellent addition to classroom lessons, especially for the students who need a better visual or find it hard to comprehend the reading. In my classroom, I would like to utilize Schoolhouse Rock videos. These videos are great for elementary grades all the way to high school. I find that when lessons are put to song not only are they more fun, but easier to remember. Considering I am an English teacher, I also believe it helps to watch the movie version of the books that are read in class. This gives students something to look forward to as well as provide further understanding of the text. In addition to videos, I also would like to make use of a smartboard in my classroom. Smart boards are great for interactive learning as a class and meet the needs of many different students. According to William D. Beeland Jr, in a study to see if Smartboards enhance student learning, teachers saw that through the use of video, graphics, and animation it assisted the visual learners, software and dialog assisted the auditory learners, and students interacting with the smartboard aided the tactile learners (n.d.). I find that I learn best when I can see, hear, and be involved, so it is important to me that I find something that can reach all different types of learners, and Smartboards is the tool to do that. These are just two of many excellent sources of technology I would love to use in my classroom.
Conclusion
While not everyone may agree with the benefits technology brings to classroom instruction, the results are continuously shown through the students. Students, especially of today, love technology. When teachers utilize student’s interests in the classroom it grabs their attention, therefore opening students' minds to learn. Using videos in the classroom gives students something to look forward to while learning at the same time and Smartboards assist all different types of learners. As long as technology is used in moderation, it is an excellent asset to any classroom. When student motivation increases, student learning increases; and when students are motivated to learn, that means I have done my job. Technology helps me do my job the best I can by enhancing my classroom instruction.
References
Beeland, W. D., Jr. (n.d.). Student engagement, visual learning and technology: Can interactive
whiteboards help? Retrieved from http://www.teachade.com/resources/support/5031af3a4521c.pdf
Granberg, E. M. (2000). How technology enhances teaching and learning. Teaching forum. Retrieved from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/library/articles-and-essays/the-teaching-forum/how-technology-enhances-teaching-and-learning/
Technology and Education Reform. (n.d.). Effects of technology on classrooms and students. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
Technology has come a long way over the past few years. Using technology in a classroom setting is a bit controversial. Some people think of it as a positive asset where others find it unnecessary. I understand how technology is viewed as a teacher trying to replace the actual teaching part of their job, however, I do not intend to use technology like that in any way. I feel that using technology in my classroom makes me an even better teacher. As far as my beliefs, I see it as a tool to enhance instruction in my classroom.
How Technology Will Enhance My Teaching
When used properly, technology can be an amazing asset to classroom instruction. There is truly a difference in attention from students when technology is involved. It makes learning exciting, speaks to students on their level, and shakes up the everyday routine. In fact, the Technology and Education Reform states that the motivational advantages technology brings provides a setting in which more students are able to excel (n.d.). Technology improves my teaching because of these factors. While traditional classroom instruction is important as well, using technology in the classroom will help speak to those students who get bored easily and need something to grab their attention. According to Ellen M. Granberg, as more technology is being brought into the classrooms at Vanderbilt University, faculty is seeing students are much more involved in their education as well as the quality rise in classroom discussion (2000). Notice, however, that the pros of technology come when it is used properly. I strongly believe that everything should be used in moderation. Students should also learn how to complete tasks without relying on technology, especially since technology can be very unreliable. Should there be an unexpected power outage or devices stop working, students need to know how to carry on without them while still being able to learn and complete assignments. Too much of anything is never good.
Technology Tools I Plan to Use
When people think of technology being used in the classroom, I often feel like their assumptions jump to sitting children in front of the television. Now, those assumptions are not entirely wrong. I find that watching educational television is an excellent addition to classroom lessons, especially for the students who need a better visual or find it hard to comprehend the reading. In my classroom, I would like to utilize Schoolhouse Rock videos. These videos are great for elementary grades all the way to high school. I find that when lessons are put to song not only are they more fun, but easier to remember. Considering I am an English teacher, I also believe it helps to watch the movie version of the books that are read in class. This gives students something to look forward to as well as provide further understanding of the text. In addition to videos, I also would like to make use of a smartboard in my classroom. Smart boards are great for interactive learning as a class and meet the needs of many different students. According to William D. Beeland Jr, in a study to see if Smartboards enhance student learning, teachers saw that through the use of video, graphics, and animation it assisted the visual learners, software and dialog assisted the auditory learners, and students interacting with the smartboard aided the tactile learners (n.d.). I find that I learn best when I can see, hear, and be involved, so it is important to me that I find something that can reach all different types of learners, and Smartboards is the tool to do that. These are just two of many excellent sources of technology I would love to use in my classroom.
Conclusion
While not everyone may agree with the benefits technology brings to classroom instruction, the results are continuously shown through the students. Students, especially of today, love technology. When teachers utilize student’s interests in the classroom it grabs their attention, therefore opening students' minds to learn. Using videos in the classroom gives students something to look forward to while learning at the same time and Smartboards assist all different types of learners. As long as technology is used in moderation, it is an excellent asset to any classroom. When student motivation increases, student learning increases; and when students are motivated to learn, that means I have done my job. Technology helps me do my job the best I can by enhancing my classroom instruction.
References
Beeland, W. D., Jr. (n.d.). Student engagement, visual learning and technology: Can interactive
whiteboards help? Retrieved from http://www.teachade.com/resources/support/5031af3a4521c.pdf
Granberg, E. M. (2000). How technology enhances teaching and learning. Teaching forum. Retrieved from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/library/articles-and-essays/the-teaching-forum/how-technology-enhances-teaching-and-learning/
Technology and Education Reform. (n.d.). Effects of technology on classrooms and students. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
NOTE: Helpful video links for this assignment are under the Student Resources tab! :)