Digital Badge #B- Chapter 2

Digital Badge #B- Chapter 2     

By: Allie Sofos

       I really enjoyed reading this chapter for two reasons: 1) it gave me an insight on the importance of technology use in a classroom from a students point of view through surveys and 2) it made me aware of the struggles and issues I may face as an educator who is an advocator of technology. It really made me reflect and think about the future decisions I may need to make in my career. The section that really got me asking myself important questions was "Key Issues for Technology-Using Teachers" this section asked a variety of questions that I found myself deeply reflecting on. For example a few of the questions included " what is your readiness to integrate technology into teaching?" "what are your reasons for wanting to use technology in teaching?" and "what are your ideas for the kinds of teaching methods you plan to use?" These are questions I had never really thought of before, I never gave a second thought on how important the advancement of technology would inevitably become to education. The first question was an immediate answer for me, I am very ready to integrate technology into my classroom. The second question was easy to answer, my reasons for wanting to use technology are simply because I think children will be able to relate to the lessons more, and enjoy them with more exuberance. The third question however had me doing a bit more reflecting. It had me imagining all of the fun and creative ways I can teach my classroom. The last discussion topic led me to a really awesome discovery that is known as an "interactive field trip" I found this idea fascinating and really exciting. I never knew such a thing existed and I never thought about all of the endless possibilities that could come along with it. I want my teaching method to match my personality, fun and personable, I want to get to know my students and I want them to be comfortable with me, I want them to know that I care about their successes and even their failures.
    The second section I really got into was the "Barriers to Technology Use" section. It was very informative on the restrictions that may pop up as an educator when it comes to integrating technology into my lesson plans. Lack of access was a big one I had never really considered. It shed light on the fact that some schools are not technologically advanced, meaning there is not easily accessible technology use. Some class rooms don't have enough computers for students, some don't have interactive white boards or televisions. It got me wondering what I would do if I were employed in a school such as this. Group work would become a larger part of my lesson plan, that way if there were not enough computers the groups would have to be larger. I would do my best to find ways around these issues, because I strongly believe in technology as a learning aid. Another issue that I had thought of was brought up in the text, and it was the issue of digital divides. There are many students who come from urban and low income homes that do not have access to, nor know how to use the latest technologies. This issue is something that really bothers me, I feel strongly about all children feeling equal in a classroom. Nothing is more detrimental to a child's self esteem than feeling isolated and different from their peers. This is an issue I don't really know a solution too, and I hope one will come to me over time the more I learn of technology and the education system in general, I will definitely be thinking about it.
    The last section that really got to me was titled "Your Teaching Philosophy." This section goes into detail about two main differing philosophies taken on by teachers; the first one is teacher-centered. These teachers view teaching as a formal conveyance of information from a knowledgeable instructor to a novice student. They use students test scores to determine how much they have learned. The second philosophy is known as student-centered. These teachers believe in a more progressive style of teaching, one that allows for engaging in conversation with students, the creation of puzzles and games, and asking many questions. These teachers view teaching as orchestrating different experiences for students. The text is stated as saying that many teachers find themselves in the middle of these two philosophies. However I find myself 100 percent relating with the student-centered method. I do not think that a child's intelligence can be measured by a test. Interactive learning, holding a conversation, knowledge about how the world works and how to survive in it; that is intelligence, not a score on a standardized test. Engaging your students and challenging them to think creatively is what teaching should be about. I never realized how strongly I felt about this issue until I read this section and the first philosophy almost made me angry, because although standardized testing is a necessary evil it should not be the basis of a teachers philosophy in my opinion.
   I really found myself enjoying this chapter, this is the first semester I have taken any classes that have to do with my major and I have not enjoyed school like this for some time. It is so important to engage students in their interests much like I am being engaged by this class and my other education course. I have never been more sure of anything in my life the way I am sure that I am meant to be a teacher. I want to inspire children to feel the way I feel right now about school, which is excitement, wonder, and curiosity. I have decided to upload a video I really liked to this post, as I mentioned before I have taken a special interest in "virtual field trips." I found a video on Youtube that I really enjoyed. When I become and Elementary educator I have no doubt in my mind I will be using this tool and many like it in my lesson plans. I also put in a picture that I rather enjoyed of a young girl using a smart board, another tool I would love to use if I am fortunate enough to have access to it in my classroom.

Photo Credit: Kathy Cassidy at Flickr

Resources:
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.