My Digital Blog Post B

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Teaching 21st Century

           In Today's Students and Technology, I learned that according to a study of adolescent media use by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Teens and tween averaged 7 hours and 38 minutes using entertainment media like computer video games and music players. This makes it easier for teachers since students know how to use computers and some other medias that will help them do research projects and other class activities. Back in high school I had all that kind of technology but is impossible almost 8 hours using this devises in a day. I also learned that the use of computers varies by family income. African Americans and Hispanics students are less likely to have the latest technology and tools. As future teachers we need to adjust to our students by giving time to the students to do their projects at the school's library during class time if a large number of students do not have access to a computer. However, those studies are from 2010, now computers and other devices like tablets are more affordable. Laptops are starting at $250 dollars and tablets are starting at $80 dollars. There are also free writing programs like Open Office which is about the same as Microsoft Office. I totally disagree with the book on this research I think that they are only making up numbers.

            Second concept, Your must-have technology for teaching and I totally agree with the book and the research they have done. Teachers must have a personal computer as well as internet access. Back in my country teachers do not have any kind of technology there is no computers in the school and no internet in school neither outside of school. Not having all records of the students on computer where they could easily access them, makes them lose track of everything as well as consume some of their free time. Now I realize why the only test that really matters was the final test whatever grade you scored that was your final grade no matter how good or bad you did other test during the semester. Since we are leaving in a great country we have to take advantage of technology and use it the best we can to give the best of us. The better we keep track of our students work the better we can help them.

 

            Third concept, learning environment. Technology gets better and better in many ways. For instance if you have internet access you can go to any of internet sites and find lesson plans and curriculum ideas that are helpful for new teachers who do not have the experience to create good lesson plans on their own. Thanks to the internet teachers and students can now find a large quantity of reading materials as well as audio and videos of any kind to play in class. Another way that education is in online classes. Online classes are convenient for students who work full time and the work schedule is an obstacle interfering with school schedules. During online classes we get to view assignments and post our work trough the internet site. Also, we are able to post on discussions boards making us closer sharing thoughts and new ideas. This makes our class experience more interesting while saving us some time and gas money. The are also many apps for smart phones and tablets to help students with their spelling, reading, since, and math. Technology is helping teachers to be more organized managing attendance, grade, and record keeping. With a laptop and internet access teachers have the opportunity to bring their office with them where ever they go.

           In conclusion, students today are more familiarized with technology. The price on laptops and tablets is decreasing which is going to help students and teachers be more productive inside and outside of class. Personal computer and internet access is a must have for teachers to keep record of scores and some other activities. Now teachers can find anything they need online to help them improve their teaching and the students experience. Online classes are becoming popular in college since not everyone has the time to go to the campus. In online classes you can now see assignments, post, and participate in discussions. I am not sure how far technology is going to take us but it is here for good and it is here to stay.

Resources: Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.