Blog 1 (chapters 1 & 2)

 

Reflections 

     As I read through chapters 1 and 2, many things resonated with me and caused me to recall some of my past experiences with technology. One passage in particular, which can be found on page 38.

     " Your answers to this question highlight how children and adolescents develop                  literacy with technology in ways very different from those of older adults. Marc              Prensky (2001b) has famously classified these groups as digital natives and digital            immigrants. Younger people (born since 1980) who have grown up using instant and        interactive computer and wireless technologies are digital natives." 

    

      The passage then goes on to discuss the amount of time people in the digital native age group has spent on average on various activities relating to technology as compares with teachers that have not had such experiences. This section awakened a very found memory I have with one of my first experiences with computer technology. I was in Ms. Soulias' kindergarten class, and we had recently gotten a new program for the computer in our classroom that taught us how to use the keyboard and find specific letters by leading an ant to the correct jellybean on the screen. As a curious child, I picked up on the program rather quickly and my teacher chose me to do a demonstration of the use and educational benefit in front of the board of education. My whole family came to watch and I received a certificate of acknowledgement from both my principal and the board of education. 

    My reasoning for mentioning this story is that even back when I was in kindergarten, students were showing adults all of the ways that technology can be beneficial to learning ( while also showing just how to use it as well). As a 7 year old child I was proficient in navigating that program, and now these children today are proficient in technology in all of its forms. It is that fact that should push educators to learn about and become experts in all of the technological advances that will enrich the learning environment. 

     As I have stated in previous entries, I am no technology guru. I know the basics and maybe a bit more than that, however, I am aware that as an educator in the digital society were living in today, it is so important to stay up to date on new developments. Now more than ever it is essential for educators to educator themselves on the future of education and where it is headed. As time goes by technology moves more to the forefront of the daily lives of everyone, not just students. Just the other day the announcement was made that within the next ten years students will be required to take computer science classes in the schools to learn to code. That is a huge change to the curriculum and the way we teach our students about computers and other digital technology. Until now we have utilized it mainly for answering questions or for different programs but now, we'll be teaching them how to create programs of their own. This change is both advantageous and a bit nerve wracking. 

     Children learn best when they are fully engaged and their interests are being addressed, and we can no longer deny that their biggest interests are majorly driven by technology. That being said, technology should find its way into any and every lesson that it will enrich, not inhibit. It should be included to make our lives easier, and the students educational lives more fulfilling and inviting. We should be using every tool that we come across that pertains to our classrooms and will benefit our students. Of course traditional learning should still occur, however as the text states, group-based assignments are the way of the future, and studies have shown that students prefer this approach to learning.Overall, I consider my teaching style to be mainly student-centered and my goal is to create lessons that are interactive, enriching and inviting for my students. These chapters definitely taught me a little bit more about myself and my future career aspirations. 

Questions for the reader: 

1. What is your personal opinion on the addition of the computer science program to the curriculum of public schools? Is it a good thing, or will it take away from what is already being taught? 

2. As mentioned in the textbook, the Pew Internet and American Life Project characterized how people use computers and other information technologies. What category do you feel that most people new to the educational field fall into? What about seasoned veteran teachers where you have worked? Where do you fit into the scheme? Explain why you chose your answers. 

3.  In your experience, what was the most useful tool or program that you have come across while working with the SmartBoard? I am looking to expand my repertoire of skills on the SmartBoard but only have fairly basic knowledge and would love any input!