Technology is a rich tool that offers a lot of support for students that might not necessarily connect with the traditional learning environment. While technology is sometimes touted as the savior of education, it does come with a few caveats. The readings this week established the importance of using technology, but also helped to focus on using it effectively. Proper use of technology can increase the student’s overall ability to learn the material, but it is only the first step.
This week, there was a focus on the clear expectations that need to be addressed for technology to be effective. Expectations of the student and of the teacher need to be laid out clearly. CAST is an organization that is committed to helping improve the use of technology in the schools. They provide a framework called a UDL or a Universal Design for Learning. It is defined according to their website as “a set of principles for curriculum that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” ("CAST: Universal Design for Learning"). This becomes a focus for technology that is unlike anything that has been seen in education before. It becomes a individualized plan. This opens the door for constructionist approaches much more easily then the traditional methods. Each student builds on their prior knowledge, and teachers can utilize technology to give them the resources to learn that way.
Finally, Pitler, Hubble, Kuhn, and Malenoski discuss the different technology that can be used to help increase student engagement in the classroom. They show that technology can help create the individualized education plans by creating goals and promoting goal setting. They also post ideas to help collaborate and write to learn strategies. The technology provides the tools to help accomplish these goals. Word processors, goal setting software, and blogging are all parts that can be utilized in the classroom to help compliment learning in the classroom.
Technology provides a way for students to take charge of their education. In the right hands technology becomes a tool that creates a well-rounded student that is in charge of their own education. That control is something that is needed and wanted by each student. I know from personal experience that having control over your own education helps to promote buy in. Technology is a way for that to happen, but do not get blinded by the oasis of technology. Teachers have to want to use this tool effectively for it to be truly effective.
References:
CAST: Universal Design for Learning. (n.d.). CAST: About UDL. Retrieved March 5, 2014, from http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Chapters 1, 15-38.
This week, there was a focus on the clear expectations that need to be addressed for technology to be effective. Expectations of the student and of the teacher need to be laid out clearly. CAST is an organization that is committed to helping improve the use of technology in the schools. They provide a framework called a UDL or a Universal Design for Learning. It is defined according to their website as “a set of principles for curriculum that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” ("CAST: Universal Design for Learning"). This becomes a focus for technology that is unlike anything that has been seen in education before. It becomes a individualized plan. This opens the door for constructionist approaches much more easily then the traditional methods. Each student builds on their prior knowledge, and teachers can utilize technology to give them the resources to learn that way.
Finally, Pitler, Hubble, Kuhn, and Malenoski discuss the different technology that can be used to help increase student engagement in the classroom. They show that technology can help create the individualized education plans by creating goals and promoting goal setting. They also post ideas to help collaborate and write to learn strategies. The technology provides the tools to help accomplish these goals. Word processors, goal setting software, and blogging are all parts that can be utilized in the classroom to help compliment learning in the classroom.
Technology provides a way for students to take charge of their education. In the right hands technology becomes a tool that creates a well-rounded student that is in charge of their own education. That control is something that is needed and wanted by each student. I know from personal experience that having control over your own education helps to promote buy in. Technology is a way for that to happen, but do not get blinded by the oasis of technology. Teachers have to want to use this tool effectively for it to be truly effective.
References:
CAST: Universal Design for Learning. (n.d.). CAST: About UDL. Retrieved March 5, 2014, from http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Chapters 1, 15-38.