I felt the most engaged when discussing new ideas and ways of learning and teaching. I really like to hear what other students have to contribute from their own experiences, and I also like to be able to contribute my ideas and opinions.
I think I only feel distanced by my own intimidation with the whole new methods of teaching and learning that are out there. Most of the students in this class seem to be working as an aide or in some student teacher setting and I have not done that. I used to teach Sunday school, but that was a number of years ago.
I felt most confused when trying to write on the whiteboard. I have to admit that I am very technically challenged in some ways and it takes me a bit to grasp some things. I haven't quite got the hang of the text writing.
I think I was the most surprised, if that's the right word, by the reality of how much children use technology in their everyday lives and how much they rely on us teachers to challenge and grow them in what they know in a learning environment. I am quite aware of how much children use technology, I just had not translated that into the classroom and to what that will mean for me as a teacher.
In this class I am looking forward to not only learning some new skills and applications of technology, but hopefully becoming comfortable with them as well.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Commentary on video and article:
Teachers become invaluable to students when they teach students how to take their current understanding and application of technology, and use it creatively. If students can take something they enjoy and use it to learn new skills, creatively express themselves, as well as be productive contributors to society, then their pleasure and desire for learning will increase; students will be "engaged."
Unlike me, students are already comfortable using various types of technology. This younger generation of students are also used to being visually stimulated. As a teacher I need to be willing to learn and explore technology so that I can go beyond a general understanding and use it in ways that will stimulate and challenge my students.
As was stated in the article, technology needs to support and serve the purpose of learning. If technology is used just for the sake having technology, then it will become cumbersome, negating its value. I agree that the connection between any type of technology and its connection to learning must always be clear for the teacher and student alike.
I think it is very easy in our society to allow technology to replace human interaction. Personally, I believe this takes place way too much on an everyday basis. It is important to remember that technology is a tool and should never replace the warmth and inclusiveness of human interaction.
I think it is also important to keep traditional styles of learning in balance with technology. Children have different styles of learning and should not be forced to adhere to something that will cause discomfort or a barrier to their learning process. I am currently homeschooling my two teenage daughters. The older daughter needs to have hands on interaction with her textbook. She is comfortable using the internet and computer for her learning, but only in tandem with hands on material that she can hold and work with. My younger daughter is completely comfortable using just online material. Therefore there should never be pressure to abandon traditional methods of teaching just for the sake of introducing new technology.
Unlike me, students are already comfortable using various types of technology. This younger generation of students are also used to being visually stimulated. As a teacher I need to be willing to learn and explore technology so that I can go beyond a general understanding and use it in ways that will stimulate and challenge my students.
As was stated in the article, technology needs to support and serve the purpose of learning. If technology is used just for the sake having technology, then it will become cumbersome, negating its value. I agree that the connection between any type of technology and its connection to learning must always be clear for the teacher and student alike.
I think it is very easy in our society to allow technology to replace human interaction. Personally, I believe this takes place way too much on an everyday basis. It is important to remember that technology is a tool and should never replace the warmth and inclusiveness of human interaction.
I think it is also important to keep traditional styles of learning in balance with technology. Children have different styles of learning and should not be forced to adhere to something that will cause discomfort or a barrier to their learning process. I am currently homeschooling my two teenage daughters. The older daughter needs to have hands on interaction with her textbook. She is comfortable using the internet and computer for her learning, but only in tandem with hands on material that she can hold and work with. My younger daughter is completely comfortable using just online material. Therefore there should never be pressure to abandon traditional methods of teaching just for the sake of introducing new technology.
The Relationship between NETS-T and NETS-S
The NET standards set for teachers dictate that teachers serve as leaders to the future generations in regards to technology and its place in society. This requires that teachers stay current with the latest applications of technology with the ability to model its use and applications to their students. Teachers also need to integrate into the classroom technology that will enhance the teaching and learning process as it becomes available.
Teachers not only model the use of technology in the classroom, but inspire their students to take their knowledge of technology and use it for exploration and innovation. By being up to date and on the cutting edge of technology, teachers not only allow students a venue to use and apply what they know, but can also serve as leaders to the students to usher them into the future of technology and the ways in which it will influence, affect, and change the future of society.
The application of the NET standards set for students run in tandem with those set for teachers. Teachers make available to the student ways to utilize current technology and the student then applies the use of technology into their learning experience. Most students, even those who are very young, have a fairly good understanding of technology and have probably used it a great deal in their everyday lives. Teachers can be abreast of the everyday uses of technology and broaden for these children the application and purpose that technology serves. Students can learn to use technology for research and as a means to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. Students can also be inspired to use technology as a means to better society as well as to contribute to it.
At a young age most students have gained a certain sense of self in relation to their experience and use of technology. Most students probably have an innate sense of their own digital citizenship. Teachers are called upon to guide students to be responsible models of digital citizenship. Students can learn to be leaders setting exemplary standards to other students in the usage and application of technology.
In summary it is clear that teachers and students alike bring into the classroom their own experience with, and understanding of, technology. Teachers, especially older ones can learn from their students, and students can learn how to put technology to productive use from their teachers. Growth and application in regards to technology certainly goes hand in hand from teacher to student. Teachers can use technology to enhance and aid the learning process for their students and students can learn how to communicate and publish information and ideas, as well as to use the media as a means of communication and contribution to society. Ideally, both the teaching and learning process can be aided and greatly benefited by the application of these standards.
Teachers not only model the use of technology in the classroom, but inspire their students to take their knowledge of technology and use it for exploration and innovation. By being up to date and on the cutting edge of technology, teachers not only allow students a venue to use and apply what they know, but can also serve as leaders to the students to usher them into the future of technology and the ways in which it will influence, affect, and change the future of society.
The application of the NET standards set for students run in tandem with those set for teachers. Teachers make available to the student ways to utilize current technology and the student then applies the use of technology into their learning experience. Most students, even those who are very young, have a fairly good understanding of technology and have probably used it a great deal in their everyday lives. Teachers can be abreast of the everyday uses of technology and broaden for these children the application and purpose that technology serves. Students can learn to use technology for research and as a means to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. Students can also be inspired to use technology as a means to better society as well as to contribute to it.
At a young age most students have gained a certain sense of self in relation to their experience and use of technology. Most students probably have an innate sense of their own digital citizenship. Teachers are called upon to guide students to be responsible models of digital citizenship. Students can learn to be leaders setting exemplary standards to other students in the usage and application of technology.
In summary it is clear that teachers and students alike bring into the classroom their own experience with, and understanding of, technology. Teachers, especially older ones can learn from their students, and students can learn how to put technology to productive use from their teachers. Growth and application in regards to technology certainly goes hand in hand from teacher to student. Teachers can use technology to enhance and aid the learning process for their students and students can learn how to communicate and publish information and ideas, as well as to use the media as a means of communication and contribution to society. Ideally, both the teaching and learning process can be aided and greatly benefited by the application of these standards.
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