Our generation today has so much experience with technology. Growing up with a computer, and learning how to play around on programs has been beneficial. When I look at the older generation, I can generally say that many adults feel less comfortable with technology than my generation. Most adults are less likely to spend time experimenting with learning new programs; although this is not always the case. This proves to be beneficial for the younger generation teachers who are entering school districts and know how to learn programs on their own. During my Novice teaching experience, my teacher had me spend an entire day teaching her how to use different technology programs. Knowing how to learn, adapt, and change with the times is important as a teacher. With technology expanding so quickly, it is important that we learn how to figure things out on our own or collaboratively.
With technology expanding so rapidly, it is hard to keep up with all of the new and fancy programs. Students in today's society are used to spending time on computers and using different programs. They are learning how to work the technologies we are using just as quickly. However, I believe that technology can prove to be a negative factor in education if used in the wrong way. Although technology is seen as the new 'fast pace way to life,' technology can actually waste a lot of valuable time for learning as well. When technologies fail, or computer programs do not sync, technology can prove to be a hinderance. Programs are changing and becoming better every day, which means formatting for each program is now different. From computer to computer, technology can prove to be a challenge. Also, when the internet fails, the computer freezes, or any other technical difficulty is faced, technology can waste a lot of time. It is important if we, as teachers, use technology in our classrooms, that we do so in ways that value the learning opportunities of our students. Two examples of valuable educational technologies would be the smart board and the geometer's sketchpad program.
The smart board is an incredible presenting tool that students typically get excited to use. There are many opportunities that the smart board provides that can enhance certain educational topics. My very favorite math technology is Geometer's Sketchpad. For inquiry learning, I believe this is the most valuable math technology program available. Students can explore different math concepts from beginning learning experiences to very advanced learning experiences. I have personally worked on basic geometry concepts in this program as well as advanced calculus ideas. I had a teacher at Bradley who provided guided learning worksheets that went step-by-step through directions on how to create a specific geometry idea or concept. Once we had used the direction to complete the activity, we had to experiment with the shape/design/measurements to figure out what the diagram represented and meant. I learned how to complete many geometry proofs using this program. This is very beneficial, because sometimes students focus more on the formulas rather than the concept. When students get to figure out the concept on their own while visually seeing representations of something they created, they take more value in their learning process. Overall, this is my favorite program. I think this provides many valuable learning opportunities for students and demonstrates one great way that a teacher can apply technology in the classroom.
Calculators are another technology that can be used in the classroom. They can also be great for students to use and check their work. Calculators now can visually show representations of ideas. Students can even explore concepts on calculators to prove how a certain formula or concept works.
I do not believe that technology can 'create the learning experience,' nor do I believe it can solve all the problems for education. I think that when used in the right opportunities, technology can prove to be very beneficial. Math applets provided by Illuminations and NCTM can help students work through inquiry learning to deepen their understanding of concepts. When teachers use technologies that are appropriate, educational experiences can be enhanced. Teachers really need to learn when and when not is appropriate to use technology, find a balance for how much technology should be incorporated, and relate to both the positive and negative aspects of technology in the classroom.
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