Technology Integration

What is Technology Integration and how could it be used in the classroom? With a growing use of technology and access of technology to students it has become apparent that using new technologies in the classroom may be effective for facilitating learning. Some examples of technology integration would be using "Smart Boards", Blogs, or using the Internet. It seems to be that integrating forms of technology into the classroom is becoming more and more popular out of the attempt to find new ways to engage students and facilitate their learning. A good example is the idea of a computer in every classroom and the growing use of the internet. When used properly the internet can be an amazing resource for students to learn and develop an understanding of not only their country or region but the world at large. On the internet there are sources for a student to learn anything and everything as well as through many different styles that cater to their individual learning styles. There are interactive videos, and games that challenge their think and visually demonstrate concepts or processes as well as texts for those who learn better through reading. But internet could potentially be integrated poorly as well. For example if a teacher is in an area where the family incomes are lower and some of the students families are not connected to the internet then the student in that family may be disadvantaged if the teacher chooses to use the internet as a main teaching tool. The integration of technology into the classroom is something that should done carefully. The teacher or school should look into what technologies are available for all the students or could be provided for all the students to use so that no students are disadvantaged. Then following along with this would need to be instruction for both teachers and students so that use of these technologies is going to be available to all. And with all the new technologies arriving on the scene it is a daunting task for educators to keep up. But new technologies can be powerful tools for facilitating learning.

To Blog, or not To Blog? That is the question.

Hello, my name is Shaun Thomas and I am new to the blogging scene. I am the youngest of six brothers and since I was in grade 3 I have had the desire to become a teacher. It has been a dream of mine to one day return to the classroom as a teacher and do the best job I can that I might be able to instruct, encourage, and help students to reach their dreams or just encourage them in knowing they can succeed. So here I am living my dream, working towards an education degree and seeking to do the best I possibly can. I will not give up, I will not fail, I will succeed and become the best teacher I can. This may sound overconfident but I'm stubborn and determined to reach my goals.

In preperation for this blog I have done some reading to familiarize myself with what blogging is and what it can accomplish. At first glance I saw blogging as basically a digital diary or a way to let friends know what you are upto. From this view I developed some hesistant feelings especially considering the growing number of internet predators. It is already possible for individuals with a deep enough understanding of computer, the internet, and technology to find out almost anything about a single person, so why make more personal information available? But as I have look into blogging I have come to realize some of its benefits. For one it provide an avenue for someone to share thoughts, develop ideas, and log growth throughout new experiences. In this way blogging may take more the form of a journal or diary.

Blogging also can be used as useful teaching tool were a teacher, for instance, can post new assignments, give assignment explanations and detail, or just keep students informed about classroom activity. In this sense students are encouraged in there use of technology and teachers are challenged in keeping up to date with the technology at their disposal. While at the same time it keeps students informed and may be opened to parents that they may stay informed about what their child is doing at school. This may encourage a very cooperative atmosphere between all parties.

Since you can also place link in your blogs then blogging could also be used a research tool for students. The teacher or instructor could post an assignment on a class blog, and provide links which could aid the students in either research the topic for the assignment of just provide supplementary information to help the students deepen their understanding of the subject matter.

So as I have looked into blogs and taken part in blogging myself I have come to realize that blogging has great potential and is not necessarily a trap waiting to be set off. Blogging can be a wonderful tool all depending on the users creativity.