While reading chapter 6 I was thinking of how I could use or incorporate each item into my teaching. I realized that I can use most of these items, but not all of them. The five pieces of digital technology I would want most would include, mini laptops, projector, tablet PCs such as ipads, touchscreens, and headphones. Mini laptops are important to me because it would allow the students to be able to expand their knowledge and work at different paces. I would use mini laptops by giving one to every student. I would also use a projector. This would be important to me because it allows me to project an image so that all the students can see it which also saves time and would allow me to teach more in a day. I would use this by mounting a projector and projecting images, slide shows, and more to teach the students in a faster and more effective way. Tablets are important because for one ipads are really cool but they also allow students to have a multipurpose device. It also allows books to be downloaded on the tablet so the students would always have their books. I would use this pretty much the same way as the laptop. Touchscreen computers are also important because the student physically interacts with the screen. I would use a touchscreen to do lessons like pointing at places on a map for example. Headphones are also important because students can listen to music while doing work which keeps them from talking and distracting other students. I would use these by allowing students to listen to music at appropriate times or when doing a lesson on the computer involving a video. This would allow students to be able to hear the lesson without distractions from outside noises.
You made some good points, but I also have some concerns about others. If you are planning on teaching in an elementary setting, wouldn't you be afraid that the students wouldn't take proper care of the ipads and the mini laptops. And with the idea of letting students listen to music while doing their work, I understand that some students do better when listening to music but in the classroom don't you think it'd cause too much of a distraction for the students rather than helping them by them not talking? I think that'd give them more of a reason to talk because then they'd be asking each other about their music or debating on the music. Just a few questions :) but good points.
ReplyDeleteEach student having their own laptop would be fabulous! Teaching them through that would expand their technical knowledge,their ability to do research, and encourage them to learn to be creative. (I say learn to be creative because it is a talent some have but with the options even the most basic computer systems contain, the creating field is leveled a bit and so, more inviting. Being creative is about knowing the options and putting them together in different ways. Huge part of all learning if you ask me) Learning how to smoothly navigate through a computer is also an essential skill children will need, as children and as adults. Using a laptop everyday can only foster that ability.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure about the music idea. Do not misunderstand, I love music. Love it! All kinds. I will incorporate it when I can. It is a type of general information, you can never have too much of that. But, if my child came home and said they spent a half an hour listening to music while they were in school, as a parent I would be upset. School doesn't have to be a "nose to the grindstone experience", but they are kids. They have free time at home for that. My tax dollars can be better spent.(no offense Kyle)
Some of the technology that has been around for a bit will still be utilitarian when we are in a classroom. You mentioned (overhead)projectors, so useful for notes and examples.
I'm sure you have come in contact with the whiteboards and video taped lectures you can make with them. I just became acquainted with it this semester.It's my favorite learning tool possibly ever! Students can go back over the lesson and get points the missed or misunderstood. I am a diligent note taker but am surprised by how many important bits of information I pick up when I review lessons this way.
Incorporating what we can in a classroom will sadly come down to budget constraints.