Class is coming to a close, however technology will still go on!

Over the past 8 weeks I have seen a different perspective on integrating technology in the classroom and making it so that all students can utilize these experiences. One of the main things that I have learned is that technology must be used so that it helps the learning process and not replaces it. Technology just for that purpose is ok if you are in a technology class, however it can be distracting when overused or used incorrectly (for the wrong type of assignment). I feel much less intimidated of these new forms of technology such as blogs, wiki’s and podcasts.

I feel like I have deepened my knowledge of the learning process by listening to students and how they use technology. This has given me a different perspective on how in the future I can incorporate technology into the classroom. I now know what almost all students are familiar with and how they would like to use it in the classrooms. I think that if I can make students more responsible for their own learning they will see it as more valuable, in a way they have ownership of their learning.

Week to week I have seen great changes in the way I feel about education, 8 weeks ago I really felt that I needed to be up in front talking in order for my students to learn anything. Now I see that I need to be around the room giving tips and modeling the learning process rather than only giving information. In the years to come I see the best way to be in the front of technology in the classroom is really to see what my students are using on a daily basis for their own recreation. I think this is a great idea if educators want to keep up with technology, stop and learn something from your students. They can be a great wealth of information, without sitting through a seminar.

In the next 2 years I would like to see my students take learning into their own hands. First, I would like my student to learn by discussing with other students from other schools topics of study, and going beyond the curriculum in self directed student projects that are related to a specific unit of study that they particularly were interested in. One what in which I see that this could be accomplished is through the Physics Educators group that I meet with monthly. Second, I would like my students to really put their name on a lab or project, by recording a lab or demonstration and posting it for other students to see in their learning community. I feel that this is a great way for students to be exposed to lab demonstrations in a limited amount of time.

A Student's Take on Technology!

Below I have described how students use technology both inside and outside of school.



Here are some students that I interviewed about the use of technology in school.