Sunday, January 24, 2016


Digital Blog Post #A: Chapter 1



    I want to start off by saying that I never understood why teachers chose to integrate technology into their classrooms. As an adolescent I figured they wanted an easy day so they used media to play teacher for the day. Never did I realize the effort those educators put forth for that lesson plan. An as I recall those assignments were my favorite, it gave me a challenge and kept me intrigued to continue with the project. Most students broach homework as a chore but with the use of social media and the new age technology you are reaching them on their level. Most teens are active on social media and are constantly browsing the web for entertainment, why not use this knowledge as a way to engage your students and have them actively participate in the lesson. So throughout my reading I learned a few vital tools to integrate technology in my curriculum.

       First, after only making to page 3 in the textbook I am shocked that it says statistically that 70% of children entering the second grade play video games and use internet daily. I did not know that children that young frequent the internet that often let alone know who to work the browser. The further along I read it never occurred to me that their maybe a difference is usage of social media between sexes. Though the books confirms there about the same for both male and female, now that I would have to think I would think males would use social media more for gaming and browsing the web. That's a big shocker. Before you reach that information it speaks on the age groups that use internet and I read that 97% of high school students use social media. So that shows me that is the ticket, using what motivates them most and captures their attention the longest is the best tool to use in the classroom.

      Secondly, depending on your students social status they may have not been afford the opportunity to have access to a computer, and in an effort to reach out to all your students make sure if you are integrating technology in your classroom have computers readily available to students who not have access outside of the classroom.  When I continued reading I was reminded that teaching doesn't end once class is dismissed, I can set up a webpage with homework assignments extra credit, even a portal for contact among peers to keep my students involved with their studies. Technology has afforded teachers to continue reaching students when they are no longer in physical reaching distance.

      In conclusion, I took it upon myself to find different way to use technology in the classroom, I happened upon this site that gives you list of activities you could use for your students. It's called 50 ways to Use Technology , once you follow the link it gives you varying lesson plans and what type of database is needed, such as word processing or excel charts. Below I even found a video detailing on a teacher in New Jersey who used technology in her classroom. Even taking it as far as having her homework listed on her website. 
     Clicking the video below you will be able to see what type of lesson plans she was able to use and what hurdles she had to cross using social media in the classroom. There is always an up and down side using technology in your curriculum.

 
 Resources: Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.