So for my first blog post, I'm going to respond to a few prompts given to me by my instructor.
First, I want to discuss what influences teachers and students to use technology in the classroom. We live in a society that relies so heavily on technology, and there are so many really useful pieces of technology out there to assist with truly anything, including education. Teachers and students aren't just influenced by the use of technology around them, but also the realization that technology opens so many doors for new ways of teaching and learning. So, if you have the ability to use those resources, why not take advantage of it?
Second, I want to discuss the ISTE standards for educators. Educators are to be learners, leaders, citizens, collaborators, designers, facilitators, and analysts. I believe that these qualities are very useful for teachers to have. These standards allow teachers to improve the learning experiences of their students. Teachers have to be creative and adaptable. They have to have the ability to create intriguing learning environments, while also accepting if something doesn't go as planned. They have to be able to learn from the problem and fix it. They also have to be able to work with fellow teachers and coworkers, as well as students. Not only is it necessary for them to have respect for the people they work with, but also to learn to work together, lead one another, and learn from each other. One standard that is meaningful to me is being a learner. I believe that we should be lifelong learners, striving to learn more about things and people around us. Things that we have learned throughout different experiences shape who we are. One skill in this set of standards that I seem to struggle more with would be the analyst. I do try to further analyze situations, but I tend to get tied up in what I'm doing and what I have planned that I don't want to really look into it or fix the things that I may need to fix.
Last, I want to discuss the term "digital native." Many would describe my peers and me as digital natives. I would tend to agree with that statement. Many of us have been exposed to digital technology as long as we remember. It's not that those that are "digital immigrants" aren't capable of using this technology in the ways that we can, because there are many people, many educators, that are very good with digital technology. Some, of course, prefer to do things "the old fashioned way," but it's all based on preference. I think the thing that distinguishes us as "digital natives" isn't necessarily our ability to use digital technology, but instead our familiarity and comfort with this technology because it just seemed to always be around. In the future, as technology continues to develop and improve, I'm sure we will experience the same thing with our students. We will be able to work the new technology, but the students will be more familiar and comfortable with what is being used at the time.
First, I want to discuss what influences teachers and students to use technology in the classroom. We live in a society that relies so heavily on technology, and there are so many really useful pieces of technology out there to assist with truly anything, including education. Teachers and students aren't just influenced by the use of technology around them, but also the realization that technology opens so many doors for new ways of teaching and learning. So, if you have the ability to use those resources, why not take advantage of it?
Second, I want to discuss the ISTE standards for educators. Educators are to be learners, leaders, citizens, collaborators, designers, facilitators, and analysts. I believe that these qualities are very useful for teachers to have. These standards allow teachers to improve the learning experiences of their students. Teachers have to be creative and adaptable. They have to have the ability to create intriguing learning environments, while also accepting if something doesn't go as planned. They have to be able to learn from the problem and fix it. They also have to be able to work with fellow teachers and coworkers, as well as students. Not only is it necessary for them to have respect for the people they work with, but also to learn to work together, lead one another, and learn from each other. One standard that is meaningful to me is being a learner. I believe that we should be lifelong learners, striving to learn more about things and people around us. Things that we have learned throughout different experiences shape who we are. One skill in this set of standards that I seem to struggle more with would be the analyst. I do try to further analyze situations, but I tend to get tied up in what I'm doing and what I have planned that I don't want to really look into it or fix the things that I may need to fix.
Last, I want to discuss the term "digital native." Many would describe my peers and me as digital natives. I would tend to agree with that statement. Many of us have been exposed to digital technology as long as we remember. It's not that those that are "digital immigrants" aren't capable of using this technology in the ways that we can, because there are many people, many educators, that are very good with digital technology. Some, of course, prefer to do things "the old fashioned way," but it's all based on preference. I think the thing that distinguishes us as "digital natives" isn't necessarily our ability to use digital technology, but instead our familiarity and comfort with this technology because it just seemed to always be around. In the future, as technology continues to develop and improve, I'm sure we will experience the same thing with our students. We will be able to work the new technology, but the students will be more familiar and comfortable with what is being used at the time.
Well... yes, you need to respond to my prompts but I will encourage you to think about an overarching theme for this (hint: each week has a topic and it is listed on the course calendar).
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, to be great teacher you have to be a great learner. Not only because we need to keep up with the time but you need to constantly learn from the students about their needs so that we can tailor our instruction to the group. Tech plays a very important role here because it help us to stay well-informed about the classroom.