I have read the articles and have reflected on each one and how it relates to me. I am currently a kindergarten teacher and the rise in technology is becoming a main priority versus how it has been in the past. Because technology has become such a vital source in the world learning different ways to integrate it can prove to be a task if not done efficiently. This means that I must understand how to properly transition my students to use the technology. Referring to Blooms taxonomy “The major idea of the taxonomy is what educators want students to know.” (Huit, W. 2011.) In order the make this decision we first must understand the what and the why. Why is technology such an important tool? What will I have them do? Where will they use these tasks that they have learned?
As we continue to progress to these transitions we have to take note of the things that need to happen during this process. Having technology does not help us understand how to properly use it. It takes planning, using useful resources and being able to create new understanding. Once it is decided what needs to be done we have to make sure that teaching strategies becomes more about discovering and mastering content together. When a student and the teacher work together you start to see deeper learning occur. To me this is what will be the driving force when it comes to students understanding how and when to integrate technology. “Partnerships emerge from a set of roles for both teachers and students.” (Fullan & Langworthy, 2014. pg 24) This means that rules and roles need to be in place. A teacher can is more than a facilitator when it comes to the new pedagogies. Students learn in various ways so it’s up to the educator to build those relationships to gain trust for learning. Educators must also be aware of their goals and require challenging task for the students that tap into their prior knowledge. For me I understand that sometimes my students don’t always have prior knowledge of a topic that we might be discussing. I would ask myself how I can make these connections using technology to enforce learning. I also would plan out useful digital resources that can help aid higher order thinking. Transitioning and integrating technology in the classroom should be a continuous discovery.
“Collaborate with other teachers and leaders.” (Fullan & Langworthy, 2014. pg 24) This is very important for anyone that is seeking to integrate technology in the workforce or at school. During these times we have found that we have found a loophole when it comes to properly integrating technology from home in the lower grades. Collaborating with peers has become one of the most useful tools and ideas when you are exploring how to integrate technology efficiently. Schools and businesses are using more and more technology. As time continues to go on we will continue to see a rise in the digital world. So, by assisting learning and giving opportunities to explore and evaluate they will understand and use technology properly.
Huitt, W. (2011). Bloom et al.'s taxonomy of the cognitive domain. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cognition/bloom.pdf
Fullan, M. & Langworthy, M. (2014). A rich seam: How new pedagogies find deep learning. London: Pearson. Retrieved from https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/one-dot-com/one-dot-com/global/Files/about-pearson/innovation/open-ideas/ARichSeamEnglish.pdf
It was truly a delight to read your response. It is great how you emphasized the partnership between the teacher and the student.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the your statement " Transitioning and integrating technology in the classroom should be a continuous discovery." This statement should not only reign true to students but as well as for the teacher. I truly believe that when integrating technology many times the roles are reversed and we are able to learn from our students. This was an amazing read. You did an awesome job.