Philosophy on Technology
There are many different ways that teachers are trying to incorporate technology into their classrooms. Whether that is by the use of a smart board, graphing calculators, dynamic software, applets, or Internet resources, many believe that these tools are an essential part of the classroom. When reflecting on the use of technology, it is important to think of a few things: purpose, engagement, results, knowledge, and questioning.
If used properly, technology has the ability to truly enhance student learning. In order to effectively enhance learning, teachers must have knowledge of how the technology works. Students come up with various questions throughout the lesson and it is beneficial if the teacher is familiar with the program and can do their best to answer the question. It is not that teachers need to have the answer to all of the questions, but have the ability and confidence to work with the students to provide an answer. This knowledge isn’t just that the teacher has proficiency in the various technologies but actively tries to improve their knowledge and learn more and more about what is out there that can help students. Technology is an ever-changing thing that requires updates and refreshers on the teachers’ part too. With the constant upgrading of calculators and programs, there are a lot of factors to consider. Can you as a teacher stay on top of what is available to students? Can your district afford to buy a set of calculators or laptops? Is there training for teachers to keep them updated?
In order for teachers to effectively use technology they must come up with a purpose for it. There must be clear-cut reasons outlining why they are utilizing the technology. It is easy to fall into the trap of “using technology just to use it”. Sometimes, as teachers, we say, “hey! We can do this on the computer!” (Or using some type of technology) and think that we have fulfilled our duty of incorporating technology into our classrooms. Technology without purpose is similar to teaching without purpose. It isn’t effective like we hope. Teachers must decide why, when, and how they will be using the technology in order to make it effective in student learning.
Technology is a good way to engage students and provide models and visuals to help them see and learn the material. There are tons of ways that will get more students engaged in the topic as well as excited to learn. Because we know this, I also believe that is important for teachers to find opportunities to incorporate technology in their lessons. Think about how their current lessons could be better and find different technologies that can enhance what they are already teaching. Keep in mind that not every lesson is made better just because you decided to add technology… you make the lesson better. As a teacher, you are the one who makes or breaks the lesson and is the decider of when or when not to add technology.
If used properly, technology has the ability to truly enhance student learning. In order to effectively enhance learning, teachers must have knowledge of how the technology works. Students come up with various questions throughout the lesson and it is beneficial if the teacher is familiar with the program and can do their best to answer the question. It is not that teachers need to have the answer to all of the questions, but have the ability and confidence to work with the students to provide an answer. This knowledge isn’t just that the teacher has proficiency in the various technologies but actively tries to improve their knowledge and learn more and more about what is out there that can help students. Technology is an ever-changing thing that requires updates and refreshers on the teachers’ part too. With the constant upgrading of calculators and programs, there are a lot of factors to consider. Can you as a teacher stay on top of what is available to students? Can your district afford to buy a set of calculators or laptops? Is there training for teachers to keep them updated?
In order for teachers to effectively use technology they must come up with a purpose for it. There must be clear-cut reasons outlining why they are utilizing the technology. It is easy to fall into the trap of “using technology just to use it”. Sometimes, as teachers, we say, “hey! We can do this on the computer!” (Or using some type of technology) and think that we have fulfilled our duty of incorporating technology into our classrooms. Technology without purpose is similar to teaching without purpose. It isn’t effective like we hope. Teachers must decide why, when, and how they will be using the technology in order to make it effective in student learning.
Technology is a good way to engage students and provide models and visuals to help them see and learn the material. There are tons of ways that will get more students engaged in the topic as well as excited to learn. Because we know this, I also believe that is important for teachers to find opportunities to incorporate technology in their lessons. Think about how their current lessons could be better and find different technologies that can enhance what they are already teaching. Keep in mind that not every lesson is made better just because you decided to add technology… you make the lesson better. As a teacher, you are the one who makes or breaks the lesson and is the decider of when or when not to add technology.