Technology has evolved dramatically
in the last decade. A little more than a decade ago, I was teaching using an
overhead projector, I showed clips of videos using videotapes, and we listened
to books or stories on CDs. Now all of these technologies have evolved to
something greater and better and more. I now teach with a document camera, and
I used streamed videos online to show clips of videos that match our objectives
in the lessons. Not only can I find sound recording of books or stories online,
there are also images or animations to go along with the books or stories.
The dilemma that I see is the
struggle between teachers who are afraid of using technology and the push to
meet the needs of the changing world. I found an article from the December/January
2013-14 issue of the journal Learning
& Leading with Technology by the International Society for Technology
in Education that shares five tips for the technology facilitators to help the
teachers in the school to incorporating new technology in the classroom. The
ultimate goal is to “get the reluctant teachers to join their enthusiastic
colleagues (Stanfield, 2013-14).” First, we as technology facilitators or
coaches need to make sure that whenever we are having a staff development
training that incorporates a technology piece, we pair up the more tech-savvy
staff with the less tech-savvy staff to ease their fear of technology. Second, we
have to be open and provide opportunities for staff feedback, especially from
the ones who have more weaknesses in technology so that we can come up with
ways to provide support and guidance. Third, we find free Apps and demonstrate
how to use them in a group setting to help build teacher confidence and provide
ideas on incorporating them into their lessons. Fourth, have a blog available
with resources so that the teachers in the school can share ideas, lessons,
tips, and experiences. And finally, encourage the teachers to explore on their
own and take risks. Just like teaching in the classroom, have room for these
teachers to fail and learn through the trial-and-error period time to make success.
The students I have in my classroom
come from different economic background with different resources. Even though
it is a lot easier now for children to obtain a smart phone at a very low cost,
they are still very limited in their knowledge of the technology that is
available on their smart phones or similar devices. Whenever we are working on
the computer or iPad, I will pair a more tech-savvy with a less tech-savvy
students to learn and help on the peer level. Also, since this technology
generation is going to grow up surrounded by technology, the students need to
be exposed to as many different media and technologies as possible. I will
obtain a list of district approved Apps for smart phones and tablets to explore
with the students and show them how they can use these tools for their
assignments and projects.
Technology is a very important part
of our everyday lives, whether it’s academically, professionally, or
personally. It is needed daily and I am very enthusiastic towards technology
and I certainly want my students to feel the same way!
Reference
Stanfield, S. (2013). Five tips for incorporating new
technology in the classroom. Learning
& Leading with Technology, 34-35.
