Don't Get Left Behind

The world is constantly changing.  Technology is rapidly advancing.  It effects almost every aspect of our lives.  Because of this, teachers need to make sure they are keeping up with the changing world so that they will be able to offer their students the best education possible.

In every education course I've taken, it has been emphasized that teachers need to be life-long learners.  Teachers can't expect to stop learning when they finish school and rely on what they have learned up to that point.  If they do so, they are posing a huge disadvantage for themselves and their students. They will all get left behind.  However, if teachers continuously keep up to date with the changes that are taking place, they will be able to share with students an education that is relevant and rewarding.

In order for teachers to be life-long learners, they must do their research.  Reading professional journals, searching the web, and attending classes and seminars will be great ways to stay informed.  Also, collaborating with other teachers can be helpful in learning about new resources, tools, etc.  When teachers take the necessary steps to be life-long learners, they will be able to add a whole new dimension to their classroom.  They will be able to better engage their students when they implement the newest gizmos and gadgets.  They will be able to better connect with the students when they relate their lessons to current interests and ideas.

As a soon-to-be English teacher, I have been considering ways to implement the latest technology and the current interests into my own classroom.  Here are a few ideas I've had:

- Have students go to storybird.com to create their own their own books
- Use Skype to chat with an author and allow students to ask any questions they might have
- Allow students to set up their own blog accounts and post daily journal entries
- Have students act out a modern day version of a Shakespeare play and record it using iMovie, Photostory, or a video camera

These were just a few of my ideas to implement the latest technologies into my lessons to make learning more enjoyable for my students.  But, of course, by the time I actually have my own classroom, technology will probably have significantly advanced and I will have to modify my ideas and use the newest and best information and tools out there.

So to my readers (teachers or not), I'd like to encourage you all to become life-long learners and explore this constantly changing world. Have fun with it and think of ways you can use it to improve in your own field :)

Safe and Sound: Using Technology in the Classroom

While technology certainly has many benefits and can significantly boost a classroom's environment, it can also have adverse effects if teachers do not pay close attention to how it is used.  Students could use their computer time unwisely and learn nothing other than celebrity gossip or how to win an online game. They could accidentally or intentionally place themselves in unsafe situations by wandering into dangerous chat rooms or browsing through inappropriate online information. Technology can do a lot of good, but it can also do a lot of harm.  It all depends on how it used.  Because of this, it is absolutely essential that teachers find ways to minimize the risks of technology and create a safe environment for students to maximize the benefits.  

While most schools have firewalls set up to protect their students, teachers still need to take steps to keep their students safe.  The most important thing for teachers to do is monitor.  Whenever a student is using a computer, the teacher should keep an eye on the screen. This will not only help keep students on task, but it will also ensure the well-being of the student.  Some other tips for teachers include informing students of the risks, informing them of safety precautions, making sure students have a purpose when technology is used, and asking students to show their work when they are finished.  

Creating a safe and sound learning environment should be a teacher's top priority.  Can you think of any other tips to help teachers achieve this?

Assistive Technology Project

Technology In The Classroom: A Great Balancing Act

In every arena of life we have some balancing to do, and technology in education is no exception.  Incorporating technology into the classroom can be very beneficial for learning; however, if a teacher relies too much on technology and loses personal connection with students, everyone suffers: the teacher misses out on the joy of teaching, the class as a whole misses out on meaningful discussions and collaborative learning, and the individual students miss out on the motivation and support that a teacher can provide.  

As I was thinking about balancing technology and face-to-face interaction, Dr. Seuss' rhyme slipped right into my mind :) 

So, I decided to write my own little rhyme to help with our balancing act as instructors. It's just a simple little poem to sum up how we should strive to incorporate both technology and personal interaction in our classroom.

Teacher & Technology 

Technology is a lot of fun.

It can also help you get things done.

Teachers should use it in their room,

But technology alone won't help kids bloom.

Just as flowers need both water and sun,

Students need your help a ton.

So give them a project on the computer,

But don't forget to be their tutor.

Lecture a little and discuss a lot,

Then let technology have its shot.

Just mix it up and change it around,

Make sure to let them both abound.

If you balance real well you'll see good things.

And my oh my, what learning it brings!

Technology can certainly be a wonderful tool in the classroom, just as lectures, discussions, and activities can.  The important thing to remember is that balance is what makes a classroom function most effectively.  Too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing.  However, if teachers incorporate instructional diversity, more students will be reached and learning can be taken to a whole new level.