Technology Integration: What I've Learned

This course has really opened my eyes to the purpose and benefit of effective technology integration.  Two points in particular really hit home this term, and have helped to shape my perspective about technology use in the classroom.  One resonating point that came up time and time again in the class discussions was that "technology is not an event, it's a way of teaching".  I can honestly say I had never considered the difference, and am guilty of using technology as an "event" or a "reward" at times.  Technology needs to be well thought out, and appropriate for meeting the class objectives.  Not all technology is appropriate for every classroom, and teachers truly need to evaluate the benefits of each tool, and how they can contribute to the success of the students in the classroom.

The other point that stuck with me throughout the course was actually one that was made in the very first week by Marc Prensky in his article, "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants".  In the first paragraph of his article Prensky (2001) states, "Our students have changed radically. Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach" (p. 1).  This article, and this line in particular, reshaped my perspective of technology integration right at the beginning of the term.  I had never realized how fundamentally different 21st century students are today, and how drastically their educational needs and learning styles have changed from their predecessors.  Using technology in a 21st century classroom is not negotiable - it's necessary.  If teachers are to truly work to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all learners in the classroom, then they need to consider the technological strengths of their students as well.  While many resources in this course supported Prensky's ideas, that was the article that really motivated me to learn more about technology integration, in order to be the most effective teacher possible.

Resources

 

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon. 9(5). MCB University

                Press. 

 

Goodbye Kevin

Hey Journal,

I can't believe that Kevin is really gone.  Part of me is angry that he kept his real medical issues a secret and made me believe that he was going to get that "bionic body".  How could he lie to his best friend?!  I'm more sad than anything though, that "Freak the Mighty" is gone now, and I am all alone again. 

How can I go back to school and just be a dumb old "butthead" again?!  What would Kevin want me to do?

I have a lot to think about right now.

- Max

Equal Access to the Digital World!

"Equal" does not mean "same".  In other words, in order for all students to access the digital world, it does not mean that it needs to be accessed in the same exact way by every student.  Equal access means that every student can access the same information - but not necessarily in the same manner.

Students in a classroom come with a variety of strengths and challenges.  No two students in a population are exactly alike.  Learning styles, interests, intelligences, and abilities widely vary, making "cookie cutter" lessons nearly impossible, including lessons using technology.  Like any lesson, differentiating student access to the digital world is essential to meet the needs of the learners in a classroom, and to ensure that every student is equally provided with the same content.  While we often don't think about technology itself being a barrier to accessing the curriculum, for some students it can be just that.  Students process visual and auditory input differently, and motor skills are often utilized during technology use.  Because of this, modifications can be necessary in order to provide equal access to the digital world for all students.  Modifications to visual organization or auditory input or elimination can make all the difference for a student.

While access to the digital world may not be the "same" for every child, with the knowledge that exists today about differentiation, "equal" access is most certainly possible!