Digital Blog Post #A - Chapter 1
Technology has done great things in every career field, and education is no different. I am apart of the iGeneration, meaning I grew up with technology and never knew of anything different. I have used technology in so many ways that have benefitted my education. As an aspiring teacher, I will go in to this field knowing of all the great benefits technology has to offer education. The link below is actually a list of fifty technology tools that every teacher should keep in their tool box.
Students in the 21st Century
What some may not know is that even in this day and age, there are still a lot of children who are not exposed to the various technological experiences. The use of technology differs by race and economic status. White students use computers and the internet more that African-American, Hispanic, and low income students. What could cause a divide like this? Could it be that the parents of those students have lower education levels and therefore do not value the impact technology has on education? Personally, I believe that every student should be given the same opportunity. If a parent cannot expose the students to this technology, students should be given extra opportunities and resources to do so through the school.Teaching in the 21st Century
To be an effective teacher in the 21st century, you need way more than just chalk and a chalkboard. There is actually a new term for this: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and it is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.- Technology Knowledge- Teachers must not only know how technology works, but incorporate into there classroom.
- Pedagogical Knowledge- Teachers must know how to actually teach.
- Content Knowledge-Teachers must know the essential academic subject matter.
This is really so important for the teachers of the iGeneration to understand. I have had teachers who have had all of these areas, but also some that have only had one or two. I know from experience that I learned most and enjoyed learning the most from the teachers that would incorporate all three of these areas. I love finding new ways to connect things I learn in the classroom with the new technologies coming out. I am sure that most students feel this way because it is something they are familiar with, as well. As a teacher, I will help students find this connection.
Creating a Digital Identity
What is a digital identity? Just another thing I am so excited to create as a teacher. It is a teachers technology talents and competencies. What should your digital identity accomplish? Well, it is not like your Facebook and Instagram accounts; it is way more focused on the classroom. Luckily for all those who are completely lost when it comes to technology, there are steps- Build a Multimedia Resume- Know your technology, and stay up to date!
- Learning Resources and Teaching Tools- Apply your technological skills to your teaching. Create engaging lessons that incorporate technology.
- Modeling Technology for Students- Continuously demonstrate your awesome technological skills to your students.
I remember growing up in the generation of technology and watching its affects on education. At first, there was a lot of debate on whether it would hurt or help the classroom, but now we see so many benefits. Technology is vital in a classroom. It is important for teachers to stay up to date on technology because it is evolving rapidly. Thankfully, this is why there is continuos training to keep teachers up to date.
Watch the video below to see why it is so important for technology to be involved in classrooms.
Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
