Philosophy of Using Technology
As a future educator in the mind-numbing world of ever-changing and updating technology, it is beyond integral to incorporate such technology into my classroom. In doing so, I will be able to make history, geography, government, social issues, and finance come to life from the pages of the textbook.
One example of how technology will better my instruction is through the use of mapping technologies such as Google Earth and GPS systems. These programs allow me to hone in to the exact place where an event in history happened. Instead of just imagining troops marching through the Arc in France, or having a mental image of ice caps in the Arctic, these technologies will allow my students to actually see these places. By seeing them, students have a better understanding of the dynamics behind these historical events that made them so significant. Another way that instruction can be enriched is through the use of real-time apps that update information, such as the New York Stock Exchange website. When teaching a lesson on the stock market, I plan to have my students monitor stocks. They will also “buy” and “sell” stocks among their peers. To be able to assess when to buy, when to keep, and when to sell, they will have to monitor the stock market daily, perhaps even multiple times per day. The availability to use modern technology to do something such as this will show students that what they are learning is applicable to their daily lives, thus driving the lesson home.
Possibly the most important benefit that my students will take away from learning different forms of technology is the use and application of such programs. With new technology constantly emerging, it is necessary for students to adapt and use everything they possibly can to create a real-world learning experience. Many jobs that students seek will require them to be familiar with common technologies, and applicants who are well versed with technology will be preferable over those who are behind. Not educating students with the latest technological advancements available only sets them up for failure. An added benefit is the new form of communication that emerging technologies provides. Although one could argue that communication is going down the drain by way of texting and instant messaging, I would argue the opposite. Being able to video-chat with students across the globe or text message multiple coworkers at once are both important skills as many companies become more reliant on international relations and effective communication. This burst of communication abilities will benefit students for the rest of their lives.
In my classroom, I plan to have any and all technologies and programs available offered to my students. Students will be well instructed on how to use these technologies before they are given permission to use them. My students will have access to them for any project so long as they are using them for their intended purposes and in a way that is compliant with digital citizenship and responsibility rules set forth in my class handbook. If a student violates the code of use for any technology, their grade will suffer and they may not be able to use school computers or software for the rest of the school year, thus adversely affecting their participation in the class. For students who may not have equitable access, I will make time available to them before and after school, as well as offer to work with other teachers to allow the student to come down during another class if absolutely necessary. I will also provide for students who may have special needs by accommodating them in the best possible way, whether this is through audio or visual aids, mobility aids, different assignments, or differentiating my instruction in a way that incorporates the student in a way that they are capable and comfortable of completing the tasks expected of them.
One example of how technology will better my instruction is through the use of mapping technologies such as Google Earth and GPS systems. These programs allow me to hone in to the exact place where an event in history happened. Instead of just imagining troops marching through the Arc in France, or having a mental image of ice caps in the Arctic, these technologies will allow my students to actually see these places. By seeing them, students have a better understanding of the dynamics behind these historical events that made them so significant. Another way that instruction can be enriched is through the use of real-time apps that update information, such as the New York Stock Exchange website. When teaching a lesson on the stock market, I plan to have my students monitor stocks. They will also “buy” and “sell” stocks among their peers. To be able to assess when to buy, when to keep, and when to sell, they will have to monitor the stock market daily, perhaps even multiple times per day. The availability to use modern technology to do something such as this will show students that what they are learning is applicable to their daily lives, thus driving the lesson home.
Possibly the most important benefit that my students will take away from learning different forms of technology is the use and application of such programs. With new technology constantly emerging, it is necessary for students to adapt and use everything they possibly can to create a real-world learning experience. Many jobs that students seek will require them to be familiar with common technologies, and applicants who are well versed with technology will be preferable over those who are behind. Not educating students with the latest technological advancements available only sets them up for failure. An added benefit is the new form of communication that emerging technologies provides. Although one could argue that communication is going down the drain by way of texting and instant messaging, I would argue the opposite. Being able to video-chat with students across the globe or text message multiple coworkers at once are both important skills as many companies become more reliant on international relations and effective communication. This burst of communication abilities will benefit students for the rest of their lives.
In my classroom, I plan to have any and all technologies and programs available offered to my students. Students will be well instructed on how to use these technologies before they are given permission to use them. My students will have access to them for any project so long as they are using them for their intended purposes and in a way that is compliant with digital citizenship and responsibility rules set forth in my class handbook. If a student violates the code of use for any technology, their grade will suffer and they may not be able to use school computers or software for the rest of the school year, thus adversely affecting their participation in the class. For students who may not have equitable access, I will make time available to them before and after school, as well as offer to work with other teachers to allow the student to come down during another class if absolutely necessary. I will also provide for students who may have special needs by accommodating them in the best possible way, whether this is through audio or visual aids, mobility aids, different assignments, or differentiating my instruction in a way that incorporates the student in a way that they are capable and comfortable of completing the tasks expected of them.