Philosophy on technology
Education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world- Nelson Mandela. These words of Mr. Nelson Mandela, has so much meaning to me when it comes to education. If a person does not have any or enough education he or she would not have much impact on the world and the people around them.
From an early age I always heard the saying “education is the key to success” I also heard things like “ study hard, get good grades, go to college”. So from a tender age education was really the key to anything. Well-known professor and visionary scholar Nicholas Negroponte stated;
“No matter what global problem you are dreading, whether it’s the elimination of poverty, whether it’s the creation of peace, whether it’s solving environmental energy problems, the solution- whatever it is- multiple solutions, the solutions always include education, never is it without an education component and sometimes cannot be done without education.”
I agree with Negroponte entirely because to me nothing at all in this world is possible without education. We have to have some level of education. The main purpose of education is to be successful and to make a difference or change no matter how small. I value education as a must have and something extremely important. My reason is it allows for independence and as mentioned before, the chance to make a difference in the world.
Technology is the making, usage and knowledge of tools and machines, techniques and methods of organization in order to solve problems, improve a pre existing solution to a problem, and/or achieve a goal. A simple definition of technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. I think technology is important as it makes life easier by saving time and energy and in some cases it saves money. We are now in the 21st century and technology is slowly but surely taking over. Everything that a person can possibly think of can be done using technology now a days. Technology is even being used in education and is very effective.
Technology is important in today’s classroom for students to move forward and to grasp lessons well. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. I believe as a teacher I should be aware of the technological tools that are available and use them to guide my students in the right path. A vital skill in the new digital world is the ability to work collaboratively on projects with others who may not be physically close. This can best be done using modern computer tools such as the web, email, instant messaging and cell phone. Technology makes the 21st century learners life very simple. Instead of working on a challenging assignment alone, students can work in small groups online wherever they happen to be and at any time. They could use online societies like facebook or even the numerous online video calling services like; skype, oovoo and badoo. I believe Teachers now working in the 21st century with the 21st century learners, need to be computer literate in order to guide students in a meaningful way, or in a way that suits their learning styles. The teachers therefore need to be educated about what is called Educational technology or Edtech.
Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating e-learning which is the learning and improving of performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. Teachers can use technology in their class to enhance the lesson and to make the students become more interested in learning. I will be focusing on my area of specialization to explain how teachers can use technology in the classroom. To begin with, my area of specialization is Human Ecology. In the class the teacher may be teaching the students about the parts of the sewing machine and how it works. Knowing that there are some things that cannot be seen with the naked eyes, the teacher can get an interesting video showing how it works and show that video in class. For a Food and Nutrition class, the teacher can show videos on how to make different garnishes. These videos, as simple as they sound, make the classes more interesting and capture the students’ attention. The teachers can use music, PowerPoint and others stuff as technology in her class. There are a lot of different ways to use technology in the classroom, a few others are:
· Create a website for the class to encourage collaborative learning:
On this website, the teacher could post on the website, lessons, activities and areas for discussions. The website would be like a social network but school related.
· Virtual field trips:
The virtual field trip allows the teacher to bring her class to various places that they are not able to be physically. Let us say for example, the students of a Religious education class have a research to complete on a faraway place like Jerusalem, the teacher could get a video of the place or even pictures. This can be considered a virtual field trip.
· Visit textbooks that are probably out of print:
A teacher can find various books on the internet to download. There may be books that are out of print but are available as eBooks. This is a cool way of using technology (Online books).
A teacher could use the ASSURE model to integrate technology in the classroom. The teacher first needs to analyze the students and find out as much as possible about his or her students. In this case, the teacher would try to find out their learning styles and their level of understanding when it comes to technology. He or she would then state the objectives of the technologically integrated classroom. So she could say things like: the students will be able to explain the use of the sewing machine after watching a video. The next step would be to select the materials and media. The teacher would get the materials and media necessary for showing the video to the class. So she would choose suitable video, get the projector, extension cords if necessary and laptop and other necessary materials. The next step is to utilize the materials and media. The teacher is now going to use the materials and media that she collected to show the video. After or during the video the teacher will require the students’ participation. So the teacher could ask questions based on the video. After the participation the teacher will do her evaluation to see how much the video helped to bring across how the sewing machine works. When the teacher requires students’ participation he or she will get evidence if the students are learning or learnt from the video.
Technology can give students control over their learning: using technology, students can access information, and other resources at times which suit their lifestyle and their other commitments. Many students either follow part-time degrees or, where they study full-time, hold additional responsibilities, such as those of part-time jobs and families, which mean that they have many pressures outside their studies, and their learning has to take place at appropriate times. Technology can allow students to choose when to access resources, and it supports methods which have a far greater potential than those of traditional distance-learning, particularly in the degree of interaction which it affords.
One of the major benefits of using technology in the classroom is the ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of every student in every lesson. Just as every student grows and develops at different rates; it is the same way they learn in different ways and at different speeds. Technology makes it possible to place lessons appropriately for each student’s learning level and can be used to promote learning in the multiple intelligences.
From an early age I always heard the saying “education is the key to success” I also heard things like “ study hard, get good grades, go to college”. So from a tender age education was really the key to anything. Well-known professor and visionary scholar Nicholas Negroponte stated;
“No matter what global problem you are dreading, whether it’s the elimination of poverty, whether it’s the creation of peace, whether it’s solving environmental energy problems, the solution- whatever it is- multiple solutions, the solutions always include education, never is it without an education component and sometimes cannot be done without education.”
I agree with Negroponte entirely because to me nothing at all in this world is possible without education. We have to have some level of education. The main purpose of education is to be successful and to make a difference or change no matter how small. I value education as a must have and something extremely important. My reason is it allows for independence and as mentioned before, the chance to make a difference in the world.
Technology is the making, usage and knowledge of tools and machines, techniques and methods of organization in order to solve problems, improve a pre existing solution to a problem, and/or achieve a goal. A simple definition of technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. I think technology is important as it makes life easier by saving time and energy and in some cases it saves money. We are now in the 21st century and technology is slowly but surely taking over. Everything that a person can possibly think of can be done using technology now a days. Technology is even being used in education and is very effective.
Technology is important in today’s classroom for students to move forward and to grasp lessons well. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. I believe as a teacher I should be aware of the technological tools that are available and use them to guide my students in the right path. A vital skill in the new digital world is the ability to work collaboratively on projects with others who may not be physically close. This can best be done using modern computer tools such as the web, email, instant messaging and cell phone. Technology makes the 21st century learners life very simple. Instead of working on a challenging assignment alone, students can work in small groups online wherever they happen to be and at any time. They could use online societies like facebook or even the numerous online video calling services like; skype, oovoo and badoo. I believe Teachers now working in the 21st century with the 21st century learners, need to be computer literate in order to guide students in a meaningful way, or in a way that suits their learning styles. The teachers therefore need to be educated about what is called Educational technology or Edtech.
Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating e-learning which is the learning and improving of performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. Teachers can use technology in their class to enhance the lesson and to make the students become more interested in learning. I will be focusing on my area of specialization to explain how teachers can use technology in the classroom. To begin with, my area of specialization is Human Ecology. In the class the teacher may be teaching the students about the parts of the sewing machine and how it works. Knowing that there are some things that cannot be seen with the naked eyes, the teacher can get an interesting video showing how it works and show that video in class. For a Food and Nutrition class, the teacher can show videos on how to make different garnishes. These videos, as simple as they sound, make the classes more interesting and capture the students’ attention. The teachers can use music, PowerPoint and others stuff as technology in her class. There are a lot of different ways to use technology in the classroom, a few others are:
· Create a website for the class to encourage collaborative learning:
On this website, the teacher could post on the website, lessons, activities and areas for discussions. The website would be like a social network but school related.
· Virtual field trips:
The virtual field trip allows the teacher to bring her class to various places that they are not able to be physically. Let us say for example, the students of a Religious education class have a research to complete on a faraway place like Jerusalem, the teacher could get a video of the place or even pictures. This can be considered a virtual field trip.
· Visit textbooks that are probably out of print:
A teacher can find various books on the internet to download. There may be books that are out of print but are available as eBooks. This is a cool way of using technology (Online books).
A teacher could use the ASSURE model to integrate technology in the classroom. The teacher first needs to analyze the students and find out as much as possible about his or her students. In this case, the teacher would try to find out their learning styles and their level of understanding when it comes to technology. He or she would then state the objectives of the technologically integrated classroom. So she could say things like: the students will be able to explain the use of the sewing machine after watching a video. The next step would be to select the materials and media. The teacher would get the materials and media necessary for showing the video to the class. So she would choose suitable video, get the projector, extension cords if necessary and laptop and other necessary materials. The next step is to utilize the materials and media. The teacher is now going to use the materials and media that she collected to show the video. After or during the video the teacher will require the students’ participation. So the teacher could ask questions based on the video. After the participation the teacher will do her evaluation to see how much the video helped to bring across how the sewing machine works. When the teacher requires students’ participation he or she will get evidence if the students are learning or learnt from the video.
Technology can give students control over their learning: using technology, students can access information, and other resources at times which suit their lifestyle and their other commitments. Many students either follow part-time degrees or, where they study full-time, hold additional responsibilities, such as those of part-time jobs and families, which mean that they have many pressures outside their studies, and their learning has to take place at appropriate times. Technology can allow students to choose when to access resources, and it supports methods which have a far greater potential than those of traditional distance-learning, particularly in the degree of interaction which it affords.
One of the major benefits of using technology in the classroom is the ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of every student in every lesson. Just as every student grows and develops at different rates; it is the same way they learn in different ways and at different speeds. Technology makes it possible to place lessons appropriately for each student’s learning level and can be used to promote learning in the multiple intelligences.
“Technology gives the quietest student a voice” – Jerry Blumengarten
Technology is a great help when it comes to satisfying students of different learning styles. So no student will be left behind. There just might be a student who is not able to express him or herself in words but when technology is incorporated the teacher is able to understand exactly what hat student was saying in words. In the class some students may be more verse than some in technology. So what the teacher could do is teach the students how to use a certain technology before she ask them to use it or them. That way all the students will be at the same level.
In order to manage technology in class, I would use simulations, online discussions and case studies online. I would certify that my students are comfortable with the various instructional strategies by briefing them before the lesson. This will allow my students to be knowledgeable and authorized to do any of the activities. I could consider using a virtual fieldtrip, podcasts, PowerPoint Presentations and other technological items to aid in giving education to my class. I would use technology to get my students into learning based on their competences. I would choose the technology wisely and carefully to ensure that they cater to my students’ learning styles. I would see to it that all my students are at the same level. I would start from the basis, about computers and technology to guarantee that all learners are on the same level. With technology at work, a lesson is usually fun and interactive. When the lesson is interactive and fun students will not find the time to misbehave and disrupt the class. Another way of managing technology in class is by ensuring that every student has a working computer for him or herself. this way they are concentrating on their work. the teacher could then walk around to ensure that each student is on the right track. using their own computers, the students are able to move at their own pace.
In order to manage technology in class, I would use simulations, online discussions and case studies online. I would certify that my students are comfortable with the various instructional strategies by briefing them before the lesson. This will allow my students to be knowledgeable and authorized to do any of the activities. I could consider using a virtual fieldtrip, podcasts, PowerPoint Presentations and other technological items to aid in giving education to my class. I would use technology to get my students into learning based on their competences. I would choose the technology wisely and carefully to ensure that they cater to my students’ learning styles. I would see to it that all my students are at the same level. I would start from the basis, about computers and technology to guarantee that all learners are on the same level. With technology at work, a lesson is usually fun and interactive. When the lesson is interactive and fun students will not find the time to misbehave and disrupt the class. Another way of managing technology in class is by ensuring that every student has a working computer for him or herself. this way they are concentrating on their work. the teacher could then walk around to ensure that each student is on the right track. using their own computers, the students are able to move at their own pace.