Transforming Learning in the 21st Century

Chapter 3 – Transforming learning with unique PowerPoint Technology

 If you should visit any one of Collier County Public Schools, you will be sure to find a Media Room there. Yes, you will find book; lots and lots of books, but you will find technology and learning resources many teachers in that school did not even know to be there. We go through out teacher training courses putting much emphasis on the theories of: Behaviorism—learning is change in behavior, as a result of changes in the environment; Cognitivism--- learning is influenced by non-observable and internal constructs such as memory, motivation, perception, attention and metacognitive skills; Constructivism--- where learning is occurs through manipulating and interpreting the environment in one’s own, unique way; Constructivism--- where learners build on their own knowledge. Every teacher knows the KWL Chart, but Computers and other technologies used creatively can truly enhance student learning and test scores. It is not enough to learn these theories, but use technology to complement them and enhance the teaching and learning process in the 21^st century.

The teacher centered approach is a thing of the past. Today, research in the science of learning promotes the student centered approach. I personally love this approach because there is active student engagement; it keeps students on task. It does however require a lot of planning, organization and structure. In fact, a sound knowledge of technology is critical to the success of this approach. I relocated from one Public School System to another in Florida and found myself teaching third grade in this new System. Notably, as a third grade team, we met and sought to strategize ways in which we would use technology in our student centered classrooms. A new teacher, fresh out of University had some amazing tips to share with us. I must say that her knowledge really assisted us in our planning and implementation. Our students enjoyed the technology and it made our lives a lot easier. Unfortunately, not many teachers are receptive to new information, especially from a new graduate. Teachers need to be more open-minded. We are not “Know-it-alls” as some of us would like to believe.

We used technology for Science, for Communication and Collaboration, for Literacy, for interactive critical thinking and problem solving matters. No subject was excluded and our school remained an A-school in the district until I stopped keeping tabs. The fact is, students thrive when they are directly involved in the educational activities.  Digital technologies make five types of unique, powerful, transformative learning Technology possible. They are critical thinking and problem solving, digital literacies, electronic communications and collaborations, creativity, and digital citizenship (International Society for Technology in Education, 2007). The Tech Tools are many. They include Web Resources and Apps for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving and every other major area mentioned. The use of Technology in our schools is enabling as it facilitates expression in multiple ways. By utilizing these we care truly transform learning in unique ways.

 

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010). Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon. 

Understanding Educational Technology Issues and Trends

Chapter 2- Understanding Educational Technology Issues and Trends

Focus Question: What are the major issues, developments, and trends in the field of educational technology?

The major issues, I believe, stem from the reality that Students are Digital Natives, while Teachers fall into the category of Digital Immigrants as classified by Marc Prensky. The Youngsters who have grown up using instant and interactive computer and wireless technologies are the Digital Natives while the others, older of course, have to learn how to interact with technology.  Tight budgets and a rapidly changing system are also among the issues. Many schools are not up to date on the latest technology and are often guilty of  neglecting to use the technology they have to its fullest. Teaching schedules is another factor as the pressure is placed on the teacher to ensure that the required curriculum is taught within the confines of the allotted time period. Additionally, digital inequality and participation gap is said to limit access to technology for many students.

Yes, many teachers know how to operate a computer, to use google, to email, and to create PowerPoints, but that is just not enough in this technologically advanced era in which we live. No wonder so many of our students complain about feeling bored, disengaged and alienated from school. There is clearly going to be a disconnect unless the teacher finds ways and means to grow in a knowledge of technology and use this knowledge to enhance the learning environment. Technology is a part of the teacher's administrative work  and it is imperative that the teacher receives training in order to be competent in using the required tools such as the electronic grade book; the job requires it. It is even more crucial for the teacher to receive training in the use of  instructional technology, but this for too long has been optional to many teachers. Many will debate that there is just not enough hours in the day for the teacher to plan and implement amazing student centered lessons, and maintain the School District's Data system but technology MUST be incorporated into both the administrative and instructional professional work of teaching, none optional.

There are enough reasons for teachers to use technology to create many different learning formats to engage students. It is never a good thing when students appear to be more knowledgeable than their teachers and as such, this is another motivator to become the technology-using-teacher. Become the one who confidently integrates computers and other digital and electronic resources to create a highly interactive, inquiry-based learning environment.

http://educationtrendsandissues.wikispaces.com/Integrating+Technology+into+the+Classroom
 

In Tech Tool 2.0, the focus is on Apps for Teaching and Learning.  An Application (App), is a software program that runs on a smartphone or tablet computer. There is no excuse for the teacher to avoid the use of technology. Most students today own a cellular(cell.) phone and these, provide the teacher another avenue to direct, student centered learning. "There's an app for that!" is Apples' marketing phrase. Two popular educational apps are; Molecules, used for scientific activity,  Story Patch, used for English/Language Arts. There are billions of applications for teachers to use to motivate and interest their students. In most Public School Systems in Florida, there is a myriad of technology at our disposal, Collier County Public Schools is one such Technologically focused school district.

It is the responsibility of the teacher to get on-board the 'technology train', or be left behind; but be mindful of the fact that principals and School Districts do not like to be "Left Behind". This is not just the future, It is the present. The choice then is a binary, drive the use of technology or you will get driven by the technology. You can either be the master or the slave of the technological revolution that has come to the classroom.

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Resources:

Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5    

Becoming a 21st Century Teacher

Thursday January 16, 2014

Chapter 1 - Becoming a 21^st Century Teacher

Focus Question: What are 21^st century skills and 21^st century technologies?

According to the Book, Transforming learning with new technologies, Twenty-first century skills are the knowledge and understandings that students will need to succeed in our highly technological information-based society. These skills are said to include “the ability to think critically, make informed judgments, solve complex problems, think creatively, communicate and collaborate with others, use information in innovative ways, and take responsibility for one’s personal and civic lives.” (Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. 2010). The same book defines Twenty-first Century technologies as inclusive of computers, websites, and Web 2.0 tools. Web 2.0 tools being highly interactive technologies with the potential of transform learning in schools; these include blogs, wikis, digital media creating and sharing technologies, and social networking and social bookmarking sites”. (Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. 2010).

The reality is that we are all a part of this technological whirlwind. We constantly relate to the computer, the internet, the gadgets, and other pieces of technology that help us to work faster and smarter. However, ‘the iGeneration’ of Technology users are often way ahead in their ability to manipulate and interact with these media. It is our duties as teachers to ensure that not only do we equip the minds of those entrusted in our care with Math English and Science, but that we create a level platform in our classroom environment so as to  prepare all our students for the world at large. It is important to note that not all are familiar with the technology; in fact, more white students are found to use computers and the internet than African-American and Hispanic students. African America, Hispanic and low-income youngsters according to the text mentioned, are less likely to have access to the latest high speed, highly interactive technologies. This lack of access to the newest tools creates a participation gap because students do not get exposure to the best that technology can provide for learning. That is an important reason for other teachers and I to equip ourselves through constant professional development in order to adequately train our students as technology has become quite dynamic.  

Tech Tool 1.1: Tablets

Among the Chapter’s Tech Tool links are Tablets, Smartphones, and Laptops. My personal favorite is the Tablet. I never leave home without my iPad, that is, until recently when it fell into water and broke my heart. Tablets are small and handy and more often than not, quite lightweight. Despite their size, they are very powerful machines that use touch-screen controls and provide internet access through a mobile network. Hands down, the best known tablet is Apple’s iPad, but of course there are others such as Amazon’s Kindle-fire. These tablets promote interactive learning as they run off apps which can be used for thousands of instructional purposes. In the classroom, they can be used to support learning in every subject, for research, and more. I was excited to learn that my five year old daughter, who is currently in Kindergarten, is teaching her peers how to manipulate certain apps on the iPad as they are used in that student led environment. She is very tech savvy and quite familiar with the tablet. In fact, I downloaded quite a few interactive educational apps on my personal iPad which my children found fun, interactive and educational. Because it is manageable and easy to manipulate, I feel that this device, handy enough for my five year old and three year old girls is a very useful tool for classes of various levels. It is our duty to make our classes interesting and interactive. What better way to do so as teachers, than to use devices such as tablets to engage our students’ interests, enhance learning and build suitable skills.

Summary & Connection

I found the introductory title quite inviting: Becoming a 21^st Century Teacher. We were reminded that students today can relate to the new technologies as these have become a part of the daily routine. The chapter highlighted the skills, talents and technologies essential for 21^st century teachers to create new and engaging learning experiences for students. The 21^st Century Teacher is expected to use technology to transform learning for students. Tech tools such as Tablets, Smartphones, and Laptops were highlighted. Teachers can incorporate computer technologies into three major parts of their professional work; It was stated that a key to making technology a substantive part of daily teaching is to think both technologically and educationally, thereby having a technology-based Library, Technology-Based Textbooks, Technology-Based Learning Environment, Technology-Based Teaching Tool, and a Technology-Based office. I particularly found the suggested strategies or learning new technologies interesting.

 This chapter reminds me a lot of my experiences in the last Public School System where I taught and I am anxious to build on my current knowledge of the use of technology in the classroom for my personal development. It is always best to keep up with new developments in one’s field and I look forward to learning more as this course unfolds.

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.