Journal #1 - Becoming an e-Teacher

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

Teachers have always used tools to help them present the material to be learned.  Some of these tools are chalk and chalkboards, magic markers, poster paper, etc.; others by comparison have been more high tech like tape records, slide projectors, overhead projectors, VCRs, and more.

Today's newest high tech educational tools include computers and interactive software like Microsoft, offer many advantages ranging from classroom managament, recordkeeping, etc.

Technology is also changing education in two ways: first, by offering new resources to engage students in learning, and second, by giving them an opportunity to learn about new technological fields, leading to jobs and to a greater understanding of how these fields affect the world.

Technology appears to hold great potential for learning for all ages, undeniably, the role of technology in early childhood education is that of a tool for learning, communicating, equalizing opportunities, and creating positive changes in the learning environment.

The potencial technology has for all children is beyond anything in past educational experiences.  But in and of itself technology is no magic wand.  To be effective, it must be used and used appropriately.  Simply having a computer and adaptive technologies available for the children is not enough.

Tech Tool 1.2: 7 Things You Should Know About ...(EDUCAUSE)

Technology provides numerous tools that teachers can use in and out of the classroom to enhance student learning.  There are also numerous on-line resources about using technology to enhance teaching in a number of different ways.  Some of the many technologies including data visualization, digital storytelling, Google Earth, blogs, and more.

Each "7 Things" brief follows a similar format with answers to questions about a technology:

What is it?
Who's doing it?
How does it work?
What are the downsides?
Where is it going?
What are the implications for teaching and learning?

Summary:

To prepare students to learn throughout their lives and in settings far beyond classrooms, we must change what and how we teach to match what people need to know, how they learn, and where and when they learn and change our perception of who needs to learn.  We must bring technology into learning in meaningful ways to engage, motivate, and inspire learners of all ages to achieve.

The classroom teacher and her program assistants hold the key to successful integration of technology into the education classroom because they control its use and create opportunities for children to use the technology as a too.  Therefore, technology training is critical.  Without training, with out the opportunities to learn to use the equipment for themselves, teachers may have difficulty being motivated or comfortable using the technology in their classroom environment.


Resources:

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