Dear Parents,
Welcome and thank you for visiting my blog. I understand how important it is that you are aware of what is going on in your child's life, especially in his/her school and classroom and this blog is a great way to do that. Something important that you should know is that the PTA is currently holding some fundraisers in hopes to raise enough money to be able to integrate technology in the classroom and we need as much Parent support we can get to make this a success. After all - if it weren't for technology, websites such as this one, which provide you with important and current information, would not be available at the click of your fingertips.
The idea of integrating technology in the classroom may bring up some concerns for you because many a times you might find that your child is spending too much time playing video games on the computer. Please let me assure you that this is not what integrating technology in the classroom would be focused on. Instead, technology in the classroom will mean being able to provide your child with the modern tools for research and increasing their resources to create a world of endless possibilities for success.
As you
know, schools and teaching styles have been changing over the past few decades and so have our resources. As we move into this era that is encompassed by technological advancements, there has been much research generated that suggests schools capitalize on technology to enhance learning. Please let me assure you this that is not an attempt to replace traditional methods of teaching students with computers and robots, but rather a chance to integrate modern tools to increase motivation and make learning meaningful. Now let me share with you two popular styles that most teachers lean toward. One is a more traditional approach and probably represents the way you as parents were educated. In this style it is said that the teacher is the "Sage on the Stage." The other is a more contemporary style that focuses on the students becoming self regulated learners. This style allows the teacher to be more of the "Guide on the Side."
The traditional approach to teaching is called "directed instruction" and has many upsides. However, this teacher centered approach limits the need for the use of technology in the classroom. If you are unfamiliar with this approach, it is based on the behaviorist learning theory of B.F. Skinner. Skinner's behaviorist theory states that learning processes occur in the mind and we cannot see it directly, so learning can only be inferred by desired behaviors (Roblyer, p. 36). In a nutshell, the directed approach states:
- Learning happens when knowledge is transmitted to people and they store it in their minds
- Teaching should be directed, systematic and structured
- All students learn the same way and at the same pace
On the flip side to directed instruction, researchers have coined a more student centered "constructivist" approach. This contemporary approach is partly based on the discovery learning theory of Jerome Bruner. Bruner’s discovery learning theory relays that students were more likely to understand and remember concepts they had discovered in the course of their own exploration (Roblyer, p. 41). This method considers that children learn in their own unique ways and at different paces. So basically, students are able to internalize new information more effectively by relating it to their own experiences or prior knowledge. Here are a few points from a constructivist approach.
- Knowledge is constructed, rather than transmitted
- Students show what they have learned through group assignments and projects, not only written tests
- Learning is hands-on and individual skills are valued
Now back to the topic of this blog, TECHNOLOGY. Technology is the focus, but how can we use technology to bridge these two approaches is the question. I think that there is a time and a place for both approaches and they need to be integrated in order to be successful in the modern classroom. Technology has become a major catalyst for change in education so here I am, stressing the importance of using technology along with modern and traditional teaching methods to enhance learning, not as a replacement for teacher
s. Successful use of technology in the classroom will require a balance of both teaching approaches so have no fear when you envision the integration of technology into your child's classroom.
There are many options available when it comes to using technology in the classroom. Here are three technologies and ideas explaining how they will increase learning in the classroom.
Laptop Computers
- A computer could be used to run a tutorial that would assist the student in understanding a new concept or acquire a new set of skills.
- Building on their newly learned skill(s), the student as an individual or in groups can complete a hands-on experiment or simulation using the laptop.
- The student could then compile the information or data learned and record their findings in their science journal to reference or build upon for future assignments.
Document Camera and Projector
- A document Camera can be used to display instructions or view videos, websites, or presentations. The vivid display will be an excellent way for the teacher to capture the audience’s attention, display multimedia, or model the correct directions to the class as a whole.
- A Document Camera eliminates the time consuming overhead projector while adding a multitude of features.
- Through the connection of a single laptop, a VCR or DVD player becomes obsolete.
Presentation and Graphic Organizer Software
- Valuable software will help students create presentations or graphic organizers to visually display their knowledge of a lesson or project.
- Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Apples Keynote facilitates multimedia presentations created by students. Students can present what they have learned while building public speaking skills that will help them in college and beyond
- Graphic organizer software such as Inspiration or Comic life are valuable tools to help students organize their thoughts or newly learned concepts. They allow students to create meaningful concept maps or brainstorms to help them study or organize their understanding of new material.
As you can see, technology is here to stay and must be manipulated in order to maximize a students interest, participation, and learning in the classroom. Please support our PTA and their fundraising efforts and help make the difference. Please visit this blog site as often as possible for updates on the latest news and information in our classroom and feel free to post any comments you have or would like for me to address.
1. Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. H. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
2. http://my-ecoach.com/project.php?id=12152&project_step=28189
3. http://www.newfoundations.com/GALLERY/Bruner.html