This blog, constructed by yours truly, is my attempt at fulfilling the assignments charged to me in my EDU 331 course at Redeemer University College, entitled, "Digital Technology for Learning". This course seeks to understand what the role of computers and technology is in the modern day classroom.
This is my first semester as an education student in the Concurrent Education Program at Redeemer in Ancaster, ON. I just spent a semester in Ghana, Africa teaching/tutoring an adult literacy education program, as well as co-teaching a senior kindergarten class, which was one of the best experiences that I have been blessed to have in all my travels. I went to Ghana hoping that it would answer an age old question for me: Should I be an Education student? Since grade 6, half my life ago, I have pictured my future consisting of ministry work in other countries with Education as a way into the country, society and culture. Unfortunately, the months that I spent in Ghana did not entirely answer this question for me, and I am currently trying to seek for the answers while attending Education courses this winter semester.
My goal is to teach between grades 4-6, though my experience teaching 20 KG2 (SK) students did give me an appreciation for kindergarten teachers. We had one vague curriculum book to share between the KG1 (JK) and KG2 teachers and I did not find it incredibly helpful. I therefore ended up creating Language and Literacy and Creative Arts curricula by myself, which has lead to an interest in curriculum development.
So why am I taking this course on Digital Technology for Learning, you ask? Why not? In the time that we live in here in the Western world, we are bombarded with technology right, left and centre. I am writing a blog on my own laptop, connected to WiFi, with my cell phone sitting in my bag beside me and my email account open in another tab. Our society can't seem to function properly without technology. Why not learn how to channel these technologies to benefit the learning of our students in the classroom?
Why should teachers use technology in the classroom? Where do I go to find an academic answer? Google, of course! The Advanced Education website (http://www.advanced-education.com/educators/) says that technology use simplifies lesson planning and allows teachers to communicate in a broad, efficient manner. I understand the importance of communicating with a vast audience of teachers to collaborate ideas, challenges and results, but are we using technology as a cop-out to lesson planning?
Thanks for you blog and the resources. I have often wished that I had the courage similar to you so that I could travel and teach around the world. I think that I am spoiled with the many resources that I have access to. I hope the semester and transition goes well!
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you up to good things at Redeemer and farther aboard. I always had a suspicion this would be a pathway you would take.
Technology is the educational currency of our time. It is a great means to work more efficiently, and does allow for new innovative ways to create effective learning for students, however it never replaces the need for a teacher with a solid worldview foundation and discerning mind to guide students. A lesson poorly planned with or without technology will equally be ineffective.
There is need for consensus on what "integrating technology" means. I'll be forthright and say that it does not mean doing what used to be done with chalk with a projector, or showing youtube clips. Our students need more than that. Our teaching staff today are spending an entire day on ITC - Information and Communication Technologies.
I encourage you to watch the following if you have not already:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC_T9ePzANg
Wow, was not expecting to see a comment from you! Thank you for the feedback. Great to hear from you.
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