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Technology…Technology…Technology! You cannot go a single day without encountering some form of technology. Automobiles, cellphones, tablets, droids, smart tv’s the list goes on and on. Honestly, every part of our life is in some way affected by technology. Although, some may argue that the use of technology in our everyday lives has gotten way out of hand, we must admit that most technological advances has helped increase our overall quality of life. Some may think integrating technology into the classroom would not help promote academic success amongst students, I beg to differ. I am a firm believer in “Meeting the students where they are” and in my years of observation, it does not matter what level the students are on (i.e. Autism Spectrum, EBD, IND, Asperger, or mainstream) put them in front of some form of technology (i.e. Computer, tablets, cell phones etc.) and they will blow your mind.

Growth in learning does not typically occur through technology used in isolation. It’s when instructional strategies and human interaction are used simultaneously with digital tools that learning experiences are best seeded for growth (Kolb, 2017). For instance, putting a student on the computer to do drills and practices and rewarding him when he is finished does not mean he has a deeper understanding of the material, he could simply be clicking through the program to get to the end and receive his reward. However, the article states if the teacher integrates sound instructional choices to support the student when they are using the software, it is more likely that growth will occur (Kolb, 2017). The teacher could pair the student with another student and have them discuss possible problem-solving techniques. Removing the reward would take the focus off the reward and place it on the actual drills and practices. This would be the perfect time for the teacher to model how to efficiently navigate the software to better engage learning.

As instructors, I am sure that we can come up with several ways to effectively integrate technology in our classrooms. Here are three ways according to Kolb. First, Guided practice and release of responsibility, with this strategy the students usually observe teacher as she does a run through of the software and answers questions about what they are observing. The next way is the switcheroo, in this Students begin a switcheroo by doing individual work in the software (such as writing a story, working out a math problem, coming up with a hypothesis for a scientific experiment, etc.) About halfway through the time, the teacher asks students to do a “switcheroo”—exchanging devices with another student. Students look over each other’s work and provide feedback (Kolb, 2017). Finally, Reflective thinking, students are encouraged to reflect on their experience and are encouraged to make a connection between the technology they are using and their everyday experiences.

According to the Alliance for Excellent Education and the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE) finds that technology – when implemented properly -can produce significant gains in student achievement and boost engagement, particularly among students most at risk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Kolb, L. (2017, May 12). Students’ Best Tech Resource: The Teacher. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/students-best-tech-resource-teacher-liz-kolb?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjtToyM-W1QIVxySBCh27_APgEAAYAyAAEgJ6A_D_BwE

 

Technology can close achievement gaps, improve learning. (2014, September 10). Retrieved from https://ed.stanford.edu/news/technology-can-close-achievement-gaps-and-improve-learning-outcomes

Google image from edutopia.org

“Teachers are challenging students to take ownership of their learning by using various online instructional tools. Teachers are using response systems, wikis, group online tasks, and peer assessment (Revere & Kovach, 2011). Teachers and students are using these online instructional tools as resources to instruct and learn, replacing the books and hard copy resources that have been used for decades.” (Cernansky, 5 & 6) In today’s learning environment a change in a digital approach has come about and teachers are viewing the implementation of technology as more than an added resource, but a primary one.

From the emergent levels of early childhood to tertiary and higher-education, the limit to use of technology and the advantages thereof are no secret. Just at one’s fingertips, the whole world and all its teachings and leaning opportunities alike are withheld. Students are eagerly intrigued and find digital interaction to be meaningful, looking for any way, shape or form to be engaged with technology. As educators, it is important to adapt to the mental model that technology is a primary resource and necessary learning tool.

“Some teachers have the mental model that online instructional tools are not necessary for quality instruction. Other teachers have the mental model that online instructional tools are necessary for quality instruction.” (Cernansky, 2) It is a common preconception that technology, due to its ‘viral and immediate access’ serves as a distraction in the learning environment. When this is the general mental model by the majority, the immense benefits are lost within the negative views. The implementation of technology in the classroom culture requires guided instruction as a foundational approach so that students are coached into using the equipment and the access thereof with digital responsibility and appropriateness. 

In closely observing the mental models teachers hold when technology implementation is paired with online instructional tools also assists in giving school administrators to guide educators in developing various mental models beneficial to classroom plans.“The concept that teachers prepare and instruct differently because of the use of online instructional tools also drove this research. Teachers use technology to enhance their existing teacher-centered approach to instruction (Palak & Walls, 2009).”

Teachers of the recent study used as a reference for this post say “Teachers reported that they used online instructional tools to motivate their students with relevant and contemporary lessons.” (Cernansky, 7)  It is imperative to meet students where they are most proficient. In this digital age, it is now time for educators to adapt to the tech-times and recognize that there are ways to utilize technology in the classroom in numerous creative ways which account for the diverse learners of the classroom. The seamless marriage of technology and learning softwares, websites and apps serves as a modern approach to old concepts. It begins with a change of perspective and ends with a measurable outcome which allows for success and self evaluation. 

References:

Cernansky, James, “High school teachers’ mental model change as related to online instructional tools” (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 482. http://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/482

Caryn A. Morris

2017

 

All This technology is making us antisocial!

Technology in the last 30 years has slowly started making its way into our social life. In February of 1991 it started with “You Got Mail!” by AOL, then that evolved to AOL messenger as another form of communication. I remember being around 10 years old when everyone was messaging everyone and it was about how many contacts you had in your messenger and how many email contacts you had. It was great to be able to email my father that lives in Panama and he would be able to reply immediately. I still have letters saved from the time he used to send them; something we consider now as “snail mail”. At that time no one would have believed to what extent we would evolve to or even believe the point we are at today. Presently we have many options in social media or social outlets in order to get or opinions and lives out to the masses. The biggest and most popular social media outlet is Facebook in which it’s main purpose is to allow us to connect with family and old friends. We also have snapshot, Instagram, and Myspace to a lesser extent, and there are even dating applications that allow us to look for that perfect Someone or “Prince Charming”.

The generation that grew up without this technology may look at us confused and bewildered. Why are these kids on their phones and tablets so much? are normal questions asked of an older generation. They need to go out and play and explore the world, all this technology is going to burn their brains. These are the words that I would hear from my grandmother. She was born in 1928, in which you could assume is a completely different era. Is it right to blame the kids for being on their phones or their tablets so much? Or is it the parents fault for providing them with the technology and not setting the rules or making sure they have a full understanding of the rules?

According to Super Nanny Jo Frost, discipline is a way of teaching your child self-control instead of a way to control your child. Once you’ve helped build that sense of self-control, you’ve effectively taught your child the skill of disciplining himself. It is up to parents and teachers to teach their children or students this type of discipline and maybe it could change the way they interact with social media technology. It all starts at a young age; if there is a balance of technology and face to face interactions, this will improve the person’s social skills.

Is all of this technology really making us antisocial? I’m not a person that is against any platform of social media, and I do not believe that technology is making this new generation antisocial. I believe it is changing the way people are socializing within the community. People do not like what they are not used to or what they do not understand. It may seem that this generation is antisocial because they do not socialize in a verbal way or can’t hold a conversation. This generation social skills are changing towards a technology based social life.

No one can say how it is going to affect us in the future all we can do is wait. The pace of technology is moving at such a fast rate, that we can not keep up with it enough to analyze the effects. If we are able to apply this new technology in a positive way towards our children and students then both will benefit from it.

Reference

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/27/bad-parenting-lack-of-discipline-anti-social-children_n_1303887.html