Digital Blog Post #B-Chapter 2

In chapter one, we learned the importance of using technology in our classrooms and what Web 2.0 tools were. We use these tools, or ICTS (information and communication technologies) to know what is on a computer, what can be accessed, and what can be connected to them. These Web 2.0 technologies include bookmarking, blogs, podcasts, social networking, and wikis that are used to “solve problems and extend human capabilities.” Because we have to use these technologies, we have to attain Web 2.0 knowledge. There may be a struggle with fitting these technologies into our curriculums, but it can be as simple as downloading an app on your mobile device or iPad. Questia Library is a popular app that allows students and instructors to find scholarly and credible books and articles. I myself have used this app and found it very helpful.            

                        

In 20^th century classrooms, we used overhead projectors, blackboards or dry erase boards, and audio tapes. These non-computer-based technologies may still be used but overall, we have transformed classrooms into using computer-based-technologies. Teachers have come across issues like what methods to use for teaching, why you want to integrate technology, and what your readiness is. In Figure 2.1, I was asked how I would classify my interest in using technology in teaching and I chose Early Adopter. There is still a lot for me to learn and have a good grasp on, but I’m very willing to keep myself educated, as my job depends on it.

With all of this tech talk and work, we want our students to actually be engaged in their assignments. A few statistics show that overall, student’s engagement to the lesson is higher with technology involved. According to Figure 2.3 in the text, we can see that students are least engaged when being lectured. I know from personal experience that statistic is undoubtedly true. Listening to a lecture for a whole period can be boring. Having a PowerPoint presentation along with the lecture can help your students connect more to the lesson and help their attention spans last longer.

In conclusion, we now know what technologies we will be using and how they impact our student’s learning. We must be up-to-date on advancing technologies and be creative in our lesson planning. Change can be a stressful, but having an adapting outlook will be very helpful. In this article,  10 Major Technology Trends in Education, we can see that there are many different ways to use technology in the classroom, from online learning to easier access from a mobile device. 

Resources:

Alaimo, A (2015, September 10). Non-tech VS Tech. Created 

  with https://magic.piktochart.com/editor/piktochart/7837473#

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New   

   Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Riedel, Chris. "10 Major Technology Trends in Education" Public Sector Media Group. Retrieved from 

   http://thejournal.com/Articles/2014/02/03/10-Major-Technology-Trends-in-Education.aspx?Page=1