As the first section of our teaching with technology class comes to an end, I'd like to devote a blog to some of the takeaways that I have so far. And because it's late, I'm distracted easily, and I like the challenge, I'm going to try and do it with a series of videos and images.
Here we go.
1.) Technology is certainly beneficial, but can definitely be misunderstood and misused.
The opportunities that technology provides are incredible. We can figure out just about anything within seconds by pulling out our phones and opening our Google apps. We can stay in touch with friends that have moved 2000 miles away; with the simple click of a button we can not only talk to them but we can see them as well. We have the power to, in our classrooms, open up a document and watch as 6 different group members all edit the same page at the same time. We can, in our history classrooms, open up Google Earth and instantly transport our classes to the Andes, the Great Wall of China or the Grand Canyon. Yet all of this must be taken with the understanding that it can be abused and misused. There are countless internet scams and the amount of propaganda and useless information on the internet may very well surpass the useful. We must understand that simply because a technology has advised us or encouraged us to do something in a particular way, it doesn't mean that we should follow the advice. Otherwise, we might end up driving our car into a lake because the GPS instructed us to.
2.) Technology has its place in the classroom, but must be kept in check.
We have been shown all of the wonderful ways that technology can aid our classrooms. We've discussed Google Docs, Primary Pads, Evernote, online assessment methods, iclickers, byod policies and more. And the potential that these resources have is wonderful, but they must be kept in check. At the end of the day, the student is using the technology to advance and enhance their learning and that is it, nothing more. And the temptation that some/most of these technologies provide to being distracted must be kept in mind.
3.) Whenever told new information, we should always consider the source and the underlying message.
This idea pertains to all means of conveyed information be it a friend telling us, a newspaper reporting on it or some other medium. It is particularly important when dealing with information on the internet though. Every bit of information is conveyed by someone who has opinions, beliefs, values and a voice. The internet has developed a reputation as a place that people take to in order to share these things; hell look at what I'm doing right now. As a result, we must consider the sources of the information that we may be gathering as well as the potential biases and opinions that may be employed to get an underlying message across. With this healthy skepticism, we can be better prepared for taking information from techonlogy.
4.) Despite what obstacles you might face, if you are on the right path you will willingly accept the challenge.
So this one has less to do with technology and more to do with the course and the program as a whole. An unfortunate, but common (and necessary) thread throughout our courses this summer was the daunting task that we are undertaking choosing to become teachers. We live in a time where standards are becoming stricter, assessments are becoming more critical, pay and benefits are being cut and resources are lacking. Despite all of this I couldn't be more excited about my future. I know that these obstacles loom like a hurdle at the end of a 3200, but I am more than happy to take on the challenge because I know that what I am doing is one of the most important things that someone can choose to do. I will be teacher, I will make a difference, and I will never, ever, ever give up trying.