Today’s training started with us going over the goals and objectives for the session so we had a clear direction for the day. We explored different blogs and looked at their features on both a local and national level. I honestly didn’t realize there were so many local educational blogs out there, and it was interesting to see how varied they are. I especially liked the flashcards in different languages as it made the content feel more accessible and interactive.
We also worked in groups and had discussions about the changing role of technology in education and how we can realistically incorporate it into the classroom. One key point that stood out to me was the advantage of using technology as a supplement, especially when dealing with content that doesn’t always have updated textbooks available.
We also talked about the importance of using technology effectively and intentionally, not just as entertainment. It’s not enough for laptops to be used for games or for Promethean boards to just become “fancy movie screens.” There needs to be purposeful integration that actually supports learning outcomes. Along with that, we highlighted that while teacher training is important, students also need structured time and guidance to learn how to use these tools properly.
Overall, I’m excited for the next couple of days and to continue learning new strategies that I can bring into the classroom.
I completely agree with you on how teachers and students need guidance on how to effectively and properly use technology in the classroom. Often times, technology is used more as a teacher-centered tool in the classroom, but it is a much more powerful tool that than. It can help students learn beyond classroom walls. However, it is our job as teachers to ensure that our students can utilize educational technology safely.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology in the classroom should be used intentionally; it should not be used to keep students busy on laptops or other devices. Teachers still need to continuously check in on students who need additional help or observe proper student use. For this to happen, you are correct that teachers need training and skills.
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