Technologic

We live in the digital generation. Most of us going through the program were the beginning of this change, and we are going to be teaching kids that are far more technologically advanced and view us as incapable as their parents.  No longer is it the “good old days” of adults teaching the youth…a lot of traditional teaching practices have been reversed with the advancement and constant changes seen in the technological world.  Maybe part of our job is to teach our students how to teach others. 

Even our university classes have become more technologically based.  For example, in one of the ethics courses I took, we used twitter to discuss some of the issues over reading break because it allowed us to access the information quickly from our phones (or whatever) and add a small blip to the conversation.  This was great because no one could go on a rant for 14 pages. Instead, it really encouraged us to think about what we were going to write, and make sure the gist of our argument was covered in 140 characters.

After many conversations with teachers that have graduated recently and those that are graduating with me, knowledge and keeping up to date with technology has been a common theme to effective teaching.   We can no longer rely on using the chalkboard (which are pretty well gone from all schools) and the overhead projector cart.  Staying up-to-date with technology can be one of the strategies to keep students engaged during class.  Not only does technology engage the students, it would allow me to move away from lecture time and incorporate more student activity time. 

Some examples:

Twitter

Polleverywhere

Cmap

Soundcloud

Prezi

The technology that is available can sophisticate projects and research, but have to be used with a grain of salt, so to say.  Certain media complements certain types of work better than others.  I want to be able to expand my own use of technology, but also teach my students what can be useful, and when to utilize certain technologies.  Our students will have so many opportunities to use these new things, and it is our responsibility to allow them to use the tools that will give them the best opportunity to learn.