CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

R1: CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

It’s not new it’s continually evolving through constant improvements. Technology integration has been around longer than we realize. From as early as the 1600’s technology has been used to enhance, extend, or grab the attention of the learner to teach. From the simplest tools of yesterday such as the 1930 overhead projector to today’s highly technical advancements like the 2010 Apple iPad, technology integration should prepare the learner for the global world.

“The new 21st century learners must master more than the core curriculum to succeed in secondary and postsecondary institutions, as well as in the workplace. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a national organization advocating for 21st century readiness for every student, explains the outcomes of this transformation as fusing the traditional three R’s with four C’s: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration” (www.naesp.org)

Learning happens in many ways and educator should be able to present the skills and content in a manner that catches the interest of the learner to engage them in the learning process. In the words of the famous author Dr. Seuss, “Unless” all learners are the focus of the planning process to gain higher achievement levels the interest will not be there. Educators should interact in the learning process as they teach to show their students that they are just as engaged to ensure that the learner stay on task. Working with the learner is just another way to engage and focus on ensuring the skills and content are presented in a manner to gain achievement.

Using technology in the instruction in today’s classroom is required to continue in developing learners that will grow to compete, communicate and collaborate in our global world. By taking this course it is my hope that I become more aware of the variety of tools and trends that are educationally sound for enhancing lessons I will teach in my classroom. I want to be able to manage the technology in a manner that I can effectively use it to teach as well as measure achievement levels. Technology is ever changing at an increasing speed it is my hope to become more comfortable integrating technology in the classroom.