Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Transforming learning with unique, powerful technology

Focus Question: How does computer technology, promote unique, powerful, and transformative learning for students and teachers?

"Computer technologies, with their ability to make learning interesting, can promote higher levels of involvement an engagement among students..." As a teacher it is their job to obtain the students full attention, outer attention can be easily achieved by simply having class rules such remaining quiet during a lecture, staying seated, and so on. Inner attention is what needs to be achieved for true learning, having the student think and work out a problem or situation. With more and more students growing up and deeply immersing themselves in technology and communicating via the internet, it causes technology to become a gateway for teachers to use as a way to reach the students and further their learning. Teachers can create assignments, group projects, that make students think critically, problem solve, be creative, and collaborate among their peers using a platform they are already comfortable with such as social networks, social media, digital learning games, and online programs.

                                                 Photo credit to rwentechaney on Flickr




Tech Tools: Web Resources and Apps for critical thinking and problem solving

Now there is virtually a website or app for any subject learning. Students can access many different web resources or apps to help them as an extra aid in a certain subject or multiple subjects. These resources offer videos, quizzes, games, pictures, articles, and tutorials all related to what the student needs help with. Having all these different options can make it easier to boosts the students learning and understanding in different subjects.

                                                  Photo credit to marcuspage on Flickr

Summary- With all this technology such as online learning games, interactive networks, etc., it leads to promote critical thinking and problem solving among the students. It sparks curiosity, creativity, and desire for learning. Digital literacy is very important for the ability to access, understand use programs. The students have the ability to express their creative thinking through digital programs. Digital citizenship is how one treats and uses technology in our society.


Resources: Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013).Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.  

Chapter 2 Understanding Educational Technology issues and Trends

Focus Question: Analyze barriers to technology use in schools by teachers and students

Technology in the educational world is a major advancement, making teaching easier and making the learning possibilities for students endless. It is sad to say that even in this day of age that some schools do not have the sufficient funds to be able to provide the technology offered today, thus leaving them stuck in the past. Teachers with more resources have more options to different ways to engage the students learning. Lack of time could be another barrier with some teachers only having less than an hour to teach, it might be more difficult to incorporate computers in the classroom. Some older teachers that are not familiar and not taken the time properly learn might not feel comfortable incorporating into their teaching so do not use it.

                                               Photo credit to Woodleywonderworks on Flickr

Tech tools- Apps for Teaching and learning
"There's an app for that!"-Apple. With hundreds of thousands of apps already made, there is virtually almost an app for anything. With more and more students having access to smart phones and tablets, school related apps tailored to different subjects are a great idea for studying outside of school and on the go. From personal experience, I think its a great idea to offer these types of apps. I have used this app called Quizlet, on this app you search a certain topic or subject and these pre loaded flashcards appear, you pick from a stack that applies to your studying needs. If none are related to what you need to study, you can make your own flash cards on the app, the app also comes with learning games. I have used this app in many occasions to study, I must say it has helped out greatly in many different courses.

Photo credit to dougbelshaw on Flickr

Summary: Technology in the 21st century is all about enhancing teaching and learning techniques. Technology makes different learning platforms, it can make students interact with their assignments. Some schools may encounter barriers with technology whether it be insufficient funds to not being able to stay up to date with technology or some teachers with their own personal philosophies on teaching which might lead to them not incorporating technology in their teaching.

Resources: Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013).Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.