I have to admit that I had never really thought about the true potential in bringing technology into the classroom until I took this course. Sure, I knew that technology was important and yes, I knew that there was “no escaping it,” but I really didn’t know what it all meant, nor its significance. Recently, I attended a Professional Development conference for all students in their Professional Year (A.K.A teacher’s college) at Lakehead University. A man who represented the Ontario College of Teachers gave some advice to all of us, future teachers. He said, “be knowledgeable and current in your teaching.” He discussed the importance of embracing technology in our teaching, such as using different learning communities and having discussions through social media platforms and blogs. Technology is better now than it’s ever been and it is at our fingertips. I know it’s hard to embrace technology. Using technology in the classroom might not only feel alien to us, but also intimidating. It’s not really how I was taught, it’s probably not how you were taught, and it definitely was not how our teachers were taught. But that shouldn’t stop us. Let’s switch gears for a second and discuss some benefits (I mean, think about how eager we were to play Math Circus. Remember?). According to TeachHub, whether we allow technology in our classrooms or not, our students will be digital citizens, and most of them already are. By introducing electronic devices into our classroom we are setting students up for success in their lives both inside and outside of the classroom. We need to make sure that our students are prepared to meet the demands of the twenty first century…
And there’s an easy way to do so. Think about it. Technology encourages collaboration. Technology encourages students to become more responsible and take control over their learning. Technology keeps students (and you) keep up-to-date in a quick and efficient manner. Technology helps students stay engaged. Technology reaches a diversity of learning styles. Technology opens up endless possibilities for project-based learning. Technology increases the ability to think critically. Technology opens up the opportunity to access face-to-face learning from anywhere in the world. Technology opens up communication between teachers, students, and parents. And this is just naming a few. Here’s a handful of websites that could get you on your feet and thinking about how you can integrate technology into your classroom.
Students who love technology will love using it to learn. Turn the tables. Give them a chance to teach YOU something. Don’t be afraid to put yourself in the position of a learner. What inspired many of us to be teachers wasn’t the cool technological tools that help to enhance learning, but we now have the ability to impact, innovate, and inspire students with it. Teaching hasn’t changed… it’s been enhanced.
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February 2017
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