So many of today’s learning activities are enhanced by finding ways to incorporate authentic learning experiences. When comparing both the NET-S and the NETS-T, whether student driven or teacher driven, both are modeled upon a desire to incorporate technology into the everyday learning environment. Technology is the future and while teachers need to stay current, finding new ways to use technology, student must be just as steadfast in their use of technology. As students face a global economic environment allowing more distant competition in the work place, students in every community need to be active learners, proficient in today’s technology. Incorporating technology does not have to be difficult. It can be as simple as using the internet to do research or participating in a teleconference (often offered for free through the local ISD). When a teacher creates a lesson unit this can be one part of the overall plan incorporated into an individual lesson or several.
While the students demonstrate creativity, communicate and collaborate, and conduct research and use information, the teacher can just as easily incorporate technology as a means of improving proficiency with technology as with books, paper and pencil. The NETS_T suggests that “teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes” (ISTE, 2011). In the age of technology, it behooves a teacher to become a 21st century educator and promote learning using contemporary tools. As technology continues to advance, the educator who learns to use the tools and teaches through contemporary means will better prepare students for the challenges that the modern workplace present.
Resources:
ISTE, 2011, retrieved from: http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx
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Mary,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in that students must learn to use technology as a tool because they will need to use it in a global manner. They will be learning to communicate with people across the world. They need to understand the concept of digital citizenship.
The NETS-S and NETS-T have been a great guide on what to focus on when incorporating technological elements into the lessons. This really is a great breakdown of what the students need to know and it has helped provide me with a good idea of where I want to take technology in my class.
Shawn
Lance,
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered about your experiences when teaching or using technology with your third graders. Do you find that many come to you tech-savvy, already fearless in their abilitites and desires to explore? Also, I'm assuming that third graders have not yet taken keyboarding classes, so I imagine this to be a hindrance, especially when researching online. Plus, it occurred to me that spelling might create searching issues; I know this is the case for me, and I teach 8th graders!
Regardless I have been super impressed with the lessons and projects you have come up with that utilize technology with your young students. Also, I think elementary school is the perfect time to introduce and help students internalize the GAME plan, as it is important for students not only to master the digital tool of the day, but also to develop a strategy for keeping up with our ever-changing 21st century society.
Mary
Lance to Mary,
ReplyDeleteLike all students, some are proficient while others struggle. Often I do not hold students accounatable for spelling errors - these lessons are not ment to be spelling lessons. I create links to websites for them or have created shortcuts on the desktop of the oomputer lab computers to minimize spelling errors. (Creating shortcuts is time comsuming though for 30+ computers). Mostly though, I circulate and observe, with some I need to lean over them and do the typing for a link, others catch on quickly. Some love to type and will go on and on while others struggle to complete a paragraph. This is no different than with journalling though. Thanks for all your support.