I have to say, as a person who completed my undergrad through online education, I sill didn't see the full value until I started teaching and this course has just furthered my understanding and deepened my knowledge on the subject.
So why does it matter? Why should teachers be learning more about technology and using it in the classroom?
And so in the style of David Letterman (who most of my students have never heard of).. here is my top ten list....
TOP TEN REASONS TO BRING TEACHING AND TECHNOLOGY TOGETHER...
10. They both start with 'T', so it makes alphabetical sense to bring them together :)
9. Students CHOOSE to spend their downtime on technology, so wouldn't it make sense that they would be more likely to CHOOSE to do their work on a computer or tablet vs. pen and paper?
8. Technology allows you the tools to reach a variety of learners. There are apps and softwares to help you as a teacher create content that is good for visual learners, audio learners, musical learners etc.
7. Technology can help you to teach those students in your class with exceptionalities who otherwise couldn't learn in the same way as the other students
6. Teaching is more fun when you can find different ways to do it. No one wants their job to get stale and boring. Technology is ever changing and can keep you on your toes for the rest of your career if you put the effort in to learn to use it.
5. Teaching methods and ideas differ worldwide and the use of technology can connect professionals and allow them to share ideas and strategies and can enrich their teaching practice.
4. Mastering technology can make your job more efficient. There are many ways this is true, but one example is by having your own website, then schedules, content and reminders of due dates can be posted and students can go there to answer their questions as opposed to coming to you.
3. Knowing how to use technology to your favour could lead you to experimenting with different teaching models such as the 'flipped classroom' method. Students will get to have more support when doing the actual hands on work, and most of the learning is done through online content that they access from home.
2. Technology can break down the barriers around and within your classroom. You can see the world from the comfort of the class, talk to experts without leaving your seat and get a new perspective on learning. The ability to contact other students and teachers around the world will naturally add a whole new layer to your teaching.
1. technology makes school more engaging for the digital generation. They aren't interested in a teacher standing at the front of the class lecturing. They need a dynamic lesson that mixes not just technology, but collaboration and action. Technology is the future of Education.
So what's next?
For me, I have learned about so many new websites, programs, apps, softwares throughout this course, and I have already thought up lessons where they would come in handy. I am going back to work from my maternity leave in mid-May, when kids are already checking out for the summer, and this will be my best strategy to keep them hooked in. The students are getting their THIRD French teacher this year when I return, and in order for them to want to put the effort in, they have to be interested in what they are learning. I will be making a powtoon intro about myself and using that for a listening activity. I will also be using pic collage for students to write about their summer plans, and I am trying to assemble a writing assignment using Gimp and other image manipulation softwares to create illustrations for a short story they write.
I think that I am a better teacher after taking this course and that I will be more effective at engaging my students and using technology in a purposeful and appropriate way to enhance my teaching. As a personal goal, I would like to get more familiar with video conferencing so that I can make connections in other French speaking countries that I can then bring into the classroom,
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