Wrapping it up

Technology for teachers has taught me to be creative with technology.  I must be willing and able to use technology in my classroom in order to assist children in learning.  I must guide, motivate and support my students to learn with technology.  I can engage my students with technology in a way that stimulates them to create, analyze, evaluate, apply and think.  This class has prepared me to do this through increased knowledge with using the smartboards and learning many forms of technology that are available to use.  I liked how this class kept me engaged in technology and helped me to evaluate and learn how technology if used in a proper manner can be beneficial in aiding student's learning. 

Using whiteboards the smart way

Interactive whiteboards can have a positive effect on students achievement if used properly.  When used properly that can give a student a 16 percentile point gain in their achievement. Teachers must organize information and group it into small, meaningful segments.  Any visual pictures they used should focus on the important information.  Teachers must discuss the correct and incorrect answer and focus on why an answer is correct or incorrect.  Teachers must use them thoughtfully to utilize whiteboards correctly. Teachers must remember whiteboard lessons are no different then regular lessons.  They must be well organized, delivered at a decent pace and involve activities to engage your students in learning objectives.

Technology Integration Now and Then

To integrate technology to me means using technology in a positive way that can help students learn.  Many people fear technology because they are not "digital natives" but rather "digital immigrants."  They have to learn to become accustom to the new advances in technology.  Todays teachers have to not only know how to teach legacy content but also future content to students.  They must learn to communicate in the language and style of the students.  Todays learners like information fast due to all the technological advances.  I grew-up using typewriters, VCR's and we found it exciting when we were able to record ourselves with a camcorder to create a home movie.   Today we have so much technology available at our fingertips that we need to find ways to utilize it.  We can not only learn from our students but also teach them using technology integration.   

21st Century Learners

Importance of 21st century skills and the Xs and Os that engage 21st century learners
Five common themes
1.  Creativity & innovation in the classroom
2.  Willing & able to use technology
3.  Technology to assist in learning
4.  Guide, motivate and support learning with technology
5.  Engage students through technology


The term "21st-century skills" is used to refer to certain core competencies such as creativity, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving through technology which will help 21st century students thrive in today's world.
The role of technology with regard to 21st century learners is that it teaches them to create, analyze, engage, evaluate, apply and think.
3 ideas I would like to discuss regarding 21st century skills is one we have seen the positive effects of technology but there are also negative effects and those need to be addressed.  Second, as teachers we need to learn how we must guide, motivate and support our students in technology and what are some ways in which we can do this.  Third, being that 21st century students are digital learners should we be worried about the amount of time that they do spend around electronic devices and perhaps push more outdoor activity?