Sunday, March 1, 2009
My experiences with technology have definitely shaped what I think is an appropriate versus an inappropriate use for technology. I feel as though the best types of learning with technology take place when you don't realize you're learning as with my experience playing the game "Oregon Trail" in my elementary school days. I really enjoyed this game, I was getting hands-on experience with a computer for the first time, and was learning at the same time without actually realizing it. I see certain technology as beneficial in my life, such as my cell phone, my computer, the internet, and my GPS, all of which I use weekly if not daily. My overall experiences with technology in everyday life shape how I think technology should be used in the classroom in that I see the importance and growing need for technology in the classroom as it is being used more and more in everyday life throughout the world. I also view technology as something that can enhance a classroom as it can "enhance" life or at least make it easier. Technology can do many things within a classroom such as save time, reach different types of learners, create a more engaging lesson or atmosphere, and "make the impossible, possible." Technology also does much of the same thing for us in our daily lives. If our car breaks down and we become stranded, we have a cell phone to call for help (or if you have a fancy car, you might have onstar), or if we are lost we can count on our GPS system to get us back home safely. I think if we can have our students make these connections between life and technology as well as education and technology, it will become more successfully integrated within the classroom.
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I really like your example of the "Oregon Trail," as the first type of technology that you can remeber using. I agree with you when you say that technology should be presented in a way where you don't realize you are learning it. I also like when you use the word, "enhance." I too believe that technology "enhances" the classroom and expands student's education and knowledge. Technology enables students to become well rounded in many different skills. My only issue with technology in the classroom is that I feel teachers may change the way they teach in order to incorporate technology. I feel as though technology is important for students to learn, but it should not take the place of more important things, such as reading and mathematics. How do you feel about my presented issue?
ReplyDeleteI also found it interesting that you brought up Oregon Trail. I also happened to mention that in my post thinking back about the types of software technology that were used in the classroom when I was in elementary school. Unfortunately, for me.. I don't even remember what I learned from Oregon Trail. I remember playing the game.. but I don't remember what it was about. Like you said, though, sometimes technology has its advantages because you don't really realize you're learning because you're having actually fun. That's the advantage of incorporating technology into the classroom; it can actually enhance those subjects that may be somewhat "boring" to some students.
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