Reflections of Technology in the Classroom

Students in the 21st century require exposure to a variety of technologies. The effects that these technologies have cannot be over emphasized. Our students need skills that heighten their ability to think expertly and to have complex communication (Levy & Murname, 2006). These skills need to be practiced by doing new tasks with technology (Kirschner & Erkens, 2006). The importance of such strategies is that students learn what it means to truly collaborate and work together. These skills are essential if they are going to be an effective employee in the global economy (Friedman, 2007). Such strategies require tools that incorporate Web 2.0 technology (Richardson, 2006). Some of these strategies include the use of wikis, blogs, podcasts, and any other technology that allows students to do what they do best, analyze and make judgment decisions (Richardson, 2006).

These teaching tools are largely student centered. However, these technologies should be used to enhance course material and lessons presented by the teacher (Keengwe, et al, 2008). It is when the lesson is centered on course material and the application of the information is conducted with the appropriate technology that learning is the most meaningful (Keengwe, et al, 2008). Educators need to establish the learning objectives in connection with state standards before they look for the incorporation of technology. Once the learning objectives are set technology can then become a consideration. The intended goal is to create a classroom environment in which a balanced approach is present (Keengwe, et al, 2008). Students need to hone their skills with technology but also with other traditional forms of learning and communication.

Staying connected with other teachers and educational innovators is essential. Since technology is always growing and resources appear constantly it might be difficult for a “digital immigrant” to maintain up-to-date techniques (Prensky, 2001). Educators need to incorporate the same tools that the students use. Namely, teachers to need to utilize wikis, blogs, and podcasts that other educators publish (Richardson, 2006). By staying connected in this manner the educator that may not be accustomed to using technology can become aware of trends and new resources.
The true professional needs to set goals and priorities in their career. Education is no different. In order to stay relevant to our students we need to incorporate new resources and innovative techniques (Prensky, 2001). The goals that I have created center on technologies that are student centered. The first goal would be the incorporation of a SMARTBoard to the classroom. This piece of hardware creates a classroom where the students are engaged with an active computer that all students have access to. In schools were computers are at a premium the SMARTBoard puts a processor in the hands of the students every class period. The district that I work for has a position that these boards are not educationally sound. To circumvent an administration that has a negative view I will be looking for funding opportunities from philanthropic organizations. The second goal that I have set for the classroom is the creation of a wiki page that is accessible from the course’s webpage. This wiki will be a site where students will be encouraged to post updated notes and resources that enhance the learning of all students. The goal is that at the end of the course the students will have a resource that they can view when they are enrolled in a college level Psychology course. By participating in this site students will practice the collaboration that is necessary in the global economy (Friedman, 2007).

Friedman, T. (2007). The world is flat 3.0: A brief history of the twenty first century.
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Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to support
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Kirschner, P., & Erkens, G. (2006). Cognitive tools and mindtools for collaborative
Learning. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 35(2), 199-209.

Levy, F., & Murnane, R. (2006). Why the changing American economy calls for twenty-
first century learning: Answers to educators’ questions. New Directions for Youth
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Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).

Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for
classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.