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 :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Wow, some great ideas Amber. Remember to take into account that some of the students, depending on where you teach, will not have access to the internet. In addition, in the classrooms I have observed in and substituted in, three computers is the most I have seen in a classroom and time on those is precious.
Post a Comment