At this point of the GAME, there are no necessary modifications. Technology integration into the classroom is a critical need and must be vowed as such by all passionate educators. In a society that is totally immersed in technology, we must not only teach but also model the use of these tools that are so commonplace in not only our students' lives, their communities and their homes but also in our own. We live in a highly technological knowledge-based economy, and we must effectively integrate technology to deepen and enhance the learning process. It must support the four components of learning:
Active Engagement,
Participation in Groups,
Frequent Interaction and Feedback
Connection to Real-World Experts.
My inquiry into technology reveals that effective technology integration will not only support the aforementioned components but will also reveal routine and transparent use that supports circular goals. It enables cross curricular and personal connections for and to every student's world. After all, education is not an isolated entity, but a collaborative and cooperative effort.
Shirley
ReplyDeleteI think that edutopia.org and classroom20.com are great resources to use as we all go through this process of learning and adapting new technologies into our classrooms. When you stated the four components of learning, it reminded me of how much technology really is a part of our everyday lives. Our students' experiences with technology have differed from our own, but as we all work to use these technologies together in the educational setting, everyone also begins to see how important it can be in our personal and professional lives as well.
Katherine L.
Both sites you mentioned offer great ideas on uses for technology in the classroom. We are like minded in our knoweledge that engaging students in activities which integrate technology while teaching enduring skills is a critical need. It is not enough to prepare students for the present, we must prepare them for a future that does not yet exist. A vast and overwhelming task at times but imperative nonetheless. Knowing I'm not alone in my quest to support students through the 4 components you mentioned helps...a lot.
ReplyDeleteKatherine
ReplyDeleteWe, as adults, realize the importance of technology in our lives; I just think we have not come to the realization of the importance of technology in the lives of our children and students. For them, we look at their interaction with technology as a form of play or doing nothing. This seems to be the attitude of even those who are in administrative positions and can actually open the doors to technology integration. The mindsets of the educational professionals need to move into the twenty-first century with the policies and laws that govern them.
Shirley
Keila,
ReplyDeleteIt has never been enough to prepare our students for the present because, as most school's vision statements reveal, we are preparing them to be productive citizens of tomorrow. As we allow our students to experience the four components of learning in our classroom and outside of our classrooms as homework assignments, we are giving them those skills that will make them productive citizens. As you mentioned, the task may be vast and overwhelming at times, but it is imperative that we as educators carry out our calling.
Shirley