Blog #3 History of Tech in Education

How has technology been used in education? 

The technology timeline in education has been historically slow to progress.  As Suzy showed us in class, the boom of technology didn't happen until the last twentyish years ago.  What we've seen in this recent time period is the introduction to multimedia programs and technologies like the DVD player.  A lot of the technology my teachers used were tiny little TV's that we watched VHS films on and overhead projectors that probably took the teacher forever to create.  As I teach, I use my Smart Board and the internet to come up with educational resources.  Often, Ipads and Neos are integrated into my classroom but are still limited.

While technology is slow to progress in education, it seems that most of my day revolves around it.  I use my Smart Board to teach math and my math book is projected onto the board through the internet.  My objectives, daily expectations, and books are even displayed online. Teachers now have internet sites that parents and students can pull resources from.   One of the many great opportunities with technology is to take kids to the computer lab.  There are so many online resources and programs for teaching. The computer lab, aka the Testing Chamber, is often used to over test my students again and again.  In fact, recent made up studies say that children really like to be tested week after week and find the many hours of questions that are mostly, not developmentally age appropriate, fun and engaging--said no sane person ever.

How should it be used in the future?

Technology should be used with the greatest of hope for advancements in education.  Like all new ideas, the research opportunities are at the forefront of great academic changes.  Much of the research has led us to see that technology helps increase academic scores as compared to the control group without technology integration.  Yet, there is a caution to it.  Just as a medical patient must take the correct medicine, technology needs to be created and centered around the outcome.  The right technological intervention must be teacher guided.  Technology cannot replace the teacher as the teacher is the center of guidance for the students overall academic and emotional well-being at school.

Educational Leadership, blog #2

What does it mean to be a teacher-leader?

            

I believe that a teacher-leader is one that sees beyond the job description and goes beyond the call of duty to give service to their fellow peers.  I have often adapted the philosophies of a great Eastern Sage named Yogananda.

Whatever you do, you must do cheerfully for the service of all, and be very ambitious in well-doing.—Yogananda

Your entire motive must be service. The main purpose of any business should be service; it should not be merely moneymaking. The store that gives the best service and handles the best products is the one we like. – Yogananda

All material work is service to your fellow being, if done in the right spirit, and is therefore worthwhile. – Yogananda

           

A teacher leader is one who has gained a set of skills or knowledge on a certain subject, like technology.  This teacher takes initiative to teach and share what they have learned with other teachers.  To withhold is to be like a wealthy miser.  Selfishly, the money just rots away in banks until the miser passes away, doing no good to others.  Knowledge is wealth and in the right hands, that wealth can positively affect both teachers and students.  Thus, my philosophy of a teacher-leader is one who gives without expectation and steps up to serve.  Knowing, that the work they do is good in itself and is part of playing a good role in the career they have. 

Why is teacher-leadership so important with regard to educational technology?

           

In today's world, most of technology for teachers is taught horizontally.  Therefore, it’s vital that someone takes the initiative to teach their peers.  I believe the generational gaps of technology often slow the progress of technology in education.  I feel that this is possibly because no one is making profit off it.  Businesses thrive off of new technologies, education has had no immediate benefits and lack the funding for it.  Thus, someone must take a stance of being motivated to teach others as the research is showing that academic gains are tied with advanced technology integration. 

           

In my experience, as soon as you are known for having technology skills, you become needed by your peers.  While technology is slow to integrate into education, it is the trend I see districts moving towards.  I offered to co-run the school website this year.  I also asked my principal if I could store my green screen at school for my school goal this year.  Once word got out of my technology skills, my principal began to ask me to do a number of technological tasks for her.  Peers were being sent to me by my principal for help.  I’ll be teaching my peers how to access important district assessments and will teach a green screen class.  There is this lack of resources and availability, which is unfortunate.  It’s up to the motivated to be a team player to benefit others.

Why Technology? Blog #1

What are the benefits of technology use in education?

            

Technology has come a long way in such a short time.  Only ten years ago I was playing the simple Nintendo game cube and anticipating the arrival of the new Xbox.  My computer games were slow and with low resolution, however, I loved them and keep those memories alive.  I anticipate new technologies like the anticipation of starring into a Baskin Robbins ice cream trolley.  It has been my experience that students await technology with a similar zeal and excitement. 

How then does this translate to education?  Simply, technology at home and even in education excites and motivates most children. Often educators may struggle with getting students motivated to complete tasks, technology is rarely a motivation problem.  Like switching ice cream flavors, switching up technology activities keeps the activities fresh and exciting.  

In the majority of studies I've read, boys are more motivated by gaming technology while more girls responded negatively.  Often technology was more accepted by peers in social settings by both genders.  Depending upon how technology is integrated into lessons, technology has shown to improve students’ academic success in comparison to control groups without technology.  This is often equated to motivation and engagement.  One benefit of technology that I think is often not discussed is the benefits to ELL students.  Technology gives ELL students access to important visual and auditory needs.  Technology excites and motivates ELL students to learn English and simultaneously the curriculum. 

Why isn't technology used more often and more effectively?

           

This question will always be around until more funding is put into school’s technology funds.  As our guest speakers so clearly stated, in their experience, matching the research I've read, schools lack the proper funding, equipment, opportunities, time, and management.  Other issues such as technical problems, which creates negative attitudes towards technology, especially in the case of the great technology division of generations, makes it a negative experience for many individuals.  

In my opinion, technologies values are in the eyes of the beholder.  However, life can't progress forward without it.  Technology is the innovator that is disrupting society for the better.