This semester if off to a running start! I'm taking 3 graduate classes, 2 of which focus on educational technology. We're only 3 weeks in, and I've already learned an abundance about the technology that exists in our 21st century. New terms, services, and resources are being introduced to me left and right: assistive technology, ISTE, RSS, Google Reader, del.icio.us, just to name a few. As I absorb all this information, experiment with it, and sign-up for different accounts, I can't help but think why some people believe that technology can be overwhelming. There are SO MANY resources out there, how does one not only avoid feel like their drowning in all of them, but more importantly, decide which ones are valuable options to share with classroom teachers and teach to students. Of course, it would be great if they could get a little piece of everything, but that's unrealistic. Teachers feel they have so much on their plate already, they can't imagine integrating technology. We must do this in a way that avoids that overwhelming feeling. We need to teach them about the resources and how to utilize them in a way, but do so in a way that does make it appear that it's all this extra work. It can be integrated with things you're already doing. But my question remains, which ones? Where would you start?
Additionally, another challenge I'm facing is how does one keep up with the ever-changing world of technology? Things are constantly being added, replaced or upgraded to better serve the users, and it seems virtually impossible to stay afloat with all this. Without these classes, I wouldn't know about student blogging or assistive technology, or even tweeting for that matter. But what happens when Twitter is replaced with something even better? I want to ensure that I'm providing my students and colleagues with the most up-to-date information, but with things changing so rapidly, how is that possible?
Some painfully astute observations Mackenzie. I don't have the answer for you, but I believe it has to do with scale. You have weigh choices, figure out the players that stick, and read, read, and read some more.
ReplyDeletePilot programs are KEY! You need teachers to test programs and websites to see if they can do everything you need. Committees need to be convened to collect feedback. Every decision takes more time, but many headaches are saved in the end. Oh, and make sure whatever service you choose lets you back up data, so that when it disappears you aren't stuck. Delicious is a perfect example, isn't it?
I know, I constantly feel so overwhelmed when I am learning about all this new technology, because I want to incorporate as MUCH as possible. I have had the same exact thoughts! However, I have found simple ways to incorporate it so far.
ReplyDeleteFirst, for a mathematics lab, there is an on-line program where students can complete practice assessment questions. Although this may be simple technology interaction, students can interact with the computer, and learn how to navigate through web pages. They can this on laptops or in computer labs.
For a sixth grade social studies project, the teacher had students make power-point presentations discussing their culture. The presentations could include music, videos and other technology input. This encouraged students to learn how to properly use PowerPoint and become familiar with creating slideshows.
A constant student-technology interaction is with the SmartBoard. Students absolutely love it! When called up to display their work, they are all ecstatic! They seem to learn something new about it every day, just like teachers.
I think that any possible interaction with technology in the classroom goes a long way for most students. There are a lot of families that do struggle, are outdated or cannot afford a computer. It is great if students can interact with computers on a regular basis. I feel the only way to truly keep up with all this technology is read the news, ask around, and continue professional development. There are so many opportunities to learn about new technologies, it might be hard to keep up. But, we just have to continue find ways to integrate it!