Chapter 1: Becoming an e- Teacher

 Focus Question: How do new technologies create new opportunities for teaching and     learning?

             Today’s generation of children are born into a world of technology. They can’t recall a time when they actually played outside from the time they woke up until the dinner bell was rung. They don’t remember computers that were the heavy square boxes, and internet that  you had to wait for dial up to connect to. They are born where the Television they watch is as thick as our textbook and the computers and tablets can easily fit in a backpack or purse and responds to a simple touch or swipe of their finger.

 

             With these new technologies it takes adults days or weeks to figure out a new program or device, children have mastered them in a matter of 5 minutes, and are absolutely consumed by it. With children being able to learn these programs and devices so quickly and being so interested in them, shouldn't we incorporate what interests them in our classrooms? I think so. 

            “Technology is... a powerful way to motivate and engage students.”(Maloy, p.9) Technology can be used in fun and creative ways for both the teacher and the students.  “Two- thirds of high school students report feeling bored in … classes every day.” ( Maloy, p.10) By using SmartBoards, computers and tablets, students would stay intrigued and interested in the lessons. With these technologies students and teachers are forced to be interactive with one another. Letting a third grader learn multiplication tables using a computer or and Ipad, would keep them interested and wanting to keep learning. This makes learning fun for the students, which in return allows the teacher to have fun as well. When a student is excited about learning it makes the teacher more excited to teach and vice versa.   

             Also, technology can make for a more comfortable feeling classroom. When a teacher  knows the technology and can relate to students on that level, it gives students the feeling of comfort and relate ability. This will also lead to more interaction between the students and teachers. Which to me is one of the most important concepts of being a teacher, being able to relate and connect with students on many levels.

Tech Tool Link: Ultraportable Laptop Computers

         

              

     This Tech Tool made some really great points that are valid for both teachers and students. With as much work we do in a day, writing papers, researching, making lesson plans, listening and taking notes for lectures, it is a smart idea to have a portable laptop or tablet. With an Ultrportable Laptop we would be able to do all of those previously listed things whee ever we are. 

Summary and Connection:

         Although this chapter had quite a bit of information, I found it to be very interesting and eye opening. Most of the statistics in this chapter really threw me for a loop, and some of them made me sad. No child should go to school thinking "I hate school, it is so boring." Technology is out there for everyone to use, so why not use it in the classroom when we know students will love using it, and will stay connected and interested? 

         Before reading this chapter, I was somewhat on the fence of allowing a bunch of technology into schools, because it could be a distraction, but after reading this chapter I've realized it's not a distraction if used properly, and really gets the students involved and interested, and also gets the teacher to interact more with the students. I cannot wait to start teaching and interacting with my students on a totally different level than I ever experienced while in school. 

Resources:

Bright, P., (2012) The not very tabletly Windows 8 tablets of IFA. Arstechnica.com (Blog, Photo)

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.