Wednesday, March 27, 2013

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. 

 

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