The world of technology beckons, and whether we want to respond or not the demands of the twenty-first century requires that we take a look at what is being offered. So, where do I stand? A bit daunted but intrigued by the prospect of blogging and using wikis, because my imagination has already shown me the possibilities of all this technology, especially as a Reading Specialist on a mission to improve student reading levels.
I have already visualized how such technology have transcended the boundaries of age, gender and most importantly for us, through subject areas, learning styles and educational levels. I especially appreciate the collaborative nature of blogs, wikis and concept mapping which can develop team spirit without the in-house bickering. To me, this is one of the most important characteristics for building a positive classroom climate in today's schools. In addition, as a motivational tool, the possibilities are endless for stimulating prior knowledge and making connections in a way that promotes discussions and active learning, that would not have otherwise taken place. Correcting and revising, utilizing feedback and sharing ideas have all been made enjoyable for both the capable and struggling readers and writers.
Even though this is great news for education, it can prove to be challenging for the novices and even those like me who think that they know enough to get by in using the computer. But I do appreciate the reason for this course and how it can be beneficial in the classroom and also for administrators as they perform their daily functions in and out of school. However, the key to its success will be teacher preparation and teacher attitude, because one will impact on the other one leading to success or failure.
I have to agree with all that have been said by Lyn. Indeed, the use of technology in the classroom will change the face of education in many positive ways. This week we were introduced to concept mapping, another important and interesting tool that can be used by both teacher and student. While this is not the first time that I have seen this tool, I erroneously thought that it was a tool that only teachers can employ and not students. However, this week I had an epiphany.
ReplyDeleteConcept maps, as stated by Novak and Canas (2008), are graphical tools that are used for organizing and representing knowledge. According to Freeman (2004), concept maps allow collaboration in problem solving among peers, increases team performance, allows the group to stay on task, and increases shared understanding and shared expectations. In the hands of students, concept mapping plays a pivotal role in that it allows the teacher to assess the students’ understanding of integral points about a topic, it facilitates brainstorming which gives the instructor a keen idea as to the students’ level of prior knowledge and how they can link it to new knowledge which may also encourage higher order thinking, as students now have to fit these ideas together to make sense of the information.
Again, I have to agree with Lyn that using these technologies will be challenge for most of us who have been steeped in one way of teaching. Teachers do not need a crash course in these technologies but meaningful, in depth training and it cannot stop there either. Schools need to be outfitted with the necessary equipment to facilitate the regular use of these technologies which is the only way in which they can be beneficial to our charges.