Take on Technology and Shoot for the Stars!
Technology touches almost every part of our lives, communities, and our homes. When people think technology they automatically think of computers and cell phones. Yes of course this is correct but there is so much more involved now with technology. And many teachers are introducing these concepts into the classroom.
Technology not only offers a positive effect on our student’s lives, but also provides students with a greater variety to learn all subject matter. Learning through projects while equipped with technology tools allows students to be intellectually challenged while providing them with a realistic snapshot of what the modern office looks like. Through projects, students acquire and refine their analysis and problem-solving skills as they work individually and in teams to find, process, and synthesize information they’ve found online.
New tech tools for visualizing and modeling, especially in the sciences, offer students ways to experiment and observe and to view results in graphic ways that aid in understanding. As an added benefit, with technology tools and a project-learning approach, students are more likely to stay engaged and on task, reducing behavioral problems in the classroom.
I believe in a constructivist way of teaching. “Constructivists-Humans construct all knowledge in their minds by participating in certain experiences”. (Roblyer & Doering, 35.) Technology and a constructivist classroom go hand-in-hand. Constructivist classroom consists of hands on learning and diving right into the subject matter at hand. Technology offers the same benefit for the students. “Learning occurs when one constructs both mechanisms for learning and one’s own unique version of the knowledge, colored by background, experiences and aptitudes.” (Roblyer & Doering, 35.)
Integrating technology into your classroom will reap with benefits, not only for your students, but for you also. We live in a world with endless possibilities when it comes to technology. Grab ahold of all the possibilities and fly with it! Only great things come from the use of technology in the classroom!
Resources:
Edutopia. (n.d.). Why do we need technology integration? Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance
Edutopia. (2008). Why integrate technology into the classroom? Retrieved January 31 from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon Publishers.
paula(cianciola)larich 
Hi Paula,
I agree with you; I believe in a hands on approach to education, especially as we gear our education towards the 21st Century learner. I think the quote you used to support your assertion was well chosen. I believe learning does occur when student construct their own learning and when they apply their background experiences to enhance the acquisition of knowledge. Technology is key to assist students in all subject areas, and with emerging tools, you are right; the sky is the limit!
Take care,
Cynthia Mills
Hello Paula,
I enjoyed reading your blog. I agree that technology touches every area of our lives. As I read, the part that struck me the most was when you talked about, “reducing behavioral problems in the classroom.” It made me think about my own classroom and how true that often is with my kindergarteners. My kids love to be on the computer or use apps on my IPad. Even though technology is limited in my classroom, this is fun activity for them and they love using these tools even if it is for a short time. I know they are learning and absorbing the knowledge that is coming from these educational games. I think I learn as much from students as they learn from me when it comes to technology. They often figure how to play a game before I do.
Thank you for sharing!
Kim