What is Effective Technology Integration for 21st Century Learners?

Hello again!
This week we had the task of figuring out what effective technology integration for 21st century learners would look like.  After reading the materials, I have become even more comfortable with the idea of using technology in the classroom.  I can now understand that the integration of technology into a classroom is about enhancing learning, not just about technology.  This differs from my experience in grade school insofar as technology was something that we had to learn, not something that we were able to use to expand our understanding of subjects outside of CTS.

I can now also see that the successful integration of technology into a classroom both requires and promotes creativity and innovation.  The teacher is required to think outside the box and use technology in a way that corresponds with the curriculum while still being fun and interesting for students.  If a teacher is successful in integrating technology, he or she will have a class full of students who are actively participating in their education.

Another important reason for integrating different technologies into the classroom is for the purpose of communication.  We now live in a global community.  Now, more than ever before, it is important to know about the different parts of the world and the different people that inhabit them.  Communication makes this possible.  Rather than having pen pals, like I did in school, kids can now have e-mail pals or a blog that is followed by others in a different city, province or country.  The use of technology to communicate with a pen, e-mail or blog pal makes this process much quicker and more resource friendly than it once was.

Although the use of technology in the classroom has the potential to make learning more interactive, fun and creative, I must say that there is always a chance of it going terribly wrong.  Once again, I feel that it is extremely important to have rules and guidelines for students using the internet.  It is also important that we, as teachers do not get carried away with exciting new technology that has little to do with the curriculum that we are required to teach.

Please check out my quick presentation on effective technology integration for 21st century learners at: http://www.slideshare.net/Lisaromanchuk/techpresentation

Lisa Takes on the Blog...

LOLA

Hello! My name is Lisa.  This is my first blog EVER and unfortunately for me I am a wee bit technologically challenged.  Hopefully this goes well! I am 21 years old and have spent my entire life in Lethbridge.  After graduating from high school my plan was to get as far away from Lethbridge, my family and rules as I possibly could.  Obviously, that didn't happen! My decision to become a teacher is one that has led me to stay in the town that I was desperate to get away from, live with my parents (who are actually wonderful) and continue to follow (to some extent) all of those horrendous rules.  That being said, I am so excited about having been accepted into the Faculty of Education and even more excited to begin my teaching journey.  While on the topic of myself, I must not forget the love of my life; my beagle, Lola.  Nothing makes me happier than spending a sunny Lethbridge day in the coulees with my girl!

Last Tuesday was the first time that I have ever really thought of blogging in general, never mind blogging as an educational tool.  Initially, the idea of having to share a blog with others terrified me.  The possibility of using blogs in a classroom setting also made me somewhat uncomfortable.  Although my primary response was not a positive one, I am now beginning to change my tune.

I can now see that a blog is a fantastic way for students to share their feelings, help others and make their views about different classroom activities known.  It opens up a line of communication both among the students in the class and between the students and the teacher.  If a teacher has the ability to post assignments on a classroom blog, it provides all students in the classroom with an equal opportunity to complete them regardless of attendance.  The sharing of notes, items of interest and frequently asked questions on a blog also provides extra resources to students that may not otherwise be available.  My favorite thing about using a blog in a classroom however is that students begin to really care about the quality of their work.  Because their work will be available for others to read, they truly want to showcase their best efforts.

Although I can now see the benefits of using a blog in the classroom, I am still hesitant about the lack of security on the internet.  Students need to be taught specific guidelines for using tools such as blogging while at school.  I think it is a wonderful idea to have students participate in the creation of these guidelines so that they can understand the reasons for them.