Like many things, technology can be a tremendous aid in teaching and learning or it can be nothing more than a road block or distraction. When integrated with the intention of supporting learning, technology can be highly effective. A great example from the reading was students studying birds, tracking on the web the migration of an eagle that was electronically tagged. Other examples could include smart boards, that make group instruction more interactive or the use of chat rooms for students in different countries to communicate, facilitating language or culture studies.
In contrast, when technology is integrated without adequate instruction, or no specific educational goal directing it, it can become both a danger and distraction in the learning process. Examples of inappropriate technological integration could be the teacher who does not know how to run the PowerPoint and spends half the class trying to get it running or the class that gets "computer time", but without clear objectives, spend the whole time surfing the web and chatting. These situations waste precious class time and can make students vulnerable. Barriers to good integration in schools could include a lack of trained ICT staff, shortage of funds for adequate equipment, or misunderstanding or ignorance regarding the suitable use of technology in teaching and learning. Technology must be integrated in a way that helps students learn and attain curricular objectives.
1 comment:
TAG! You’re It!
T: Tell something you like.
I like the enthusiasm for the potential of using blogs in the classroom. I also like that I share a similar level of experience with blogging. It makes me feel more secure in starting my own journey in implementing technology in the classroom.
A: Ask a question.
What are some teaching strategies that you could use to keep students focused so that they do not spend the precious class time surfing the net or chatting? How could you structure “computer time”?
G: Give a suggestion.
I find it difficult to suggest an area for improvement. I might suggest a long term goal to revisit this blog once you have taught for a while to see how or if your philosophies on implementing technology have changed.
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