Integrating New Forms of Technology in My Instruction Has Modified My Teaching Methods

At the beginning of the course I was mainly using a combination of behaviorist and cognitive theory approach to my classroom instruction. I would make sure the students received the information (mainly through me) and we would build upon what they knew. Often time I would give this information through a Power Point presentation or we would read it from a textbook or other forms of text that I would find on the particular subject we were covering. At the end of the unit, I would have my students do a type of review and then we would take a test. I was not all happy with this approach to teaching, but it was in my comfort zone and “most” of the students were learning. I was using technology in a wide variety but I was not always using it effectively. Dr. Orey states that just because we are using computers or the Internet for learning doesn’t mean we are always teaching in different ways. As I proceeded through the course there were a myriad of ways in which teachers at all levels can implement technology into the classroom. I do mention at the end of the week one application that I do understand the importance of social learning and its effects in preparing our young adults for a real world workplace environment. I have since tried and been successful in using more of these types of lessons.

We are beginning our second semester here in a few weeks and I am going to take one of my classes and “experiment” with them in incorporating technology into most of my teaching. With my new knowledge of VoiceThread, blogs and wikis I am going to use these in my classroom. The reason I am only using one class is because it will be easier to get computer lab time with them. I have 180 students and if I taught every class like I plan on teaching this one class, then the logistics of getting them all computer time will be very difficult. I am going to have this class be more student-centered where they will be teaching most of the class with technology. I want them create a newscast and post it on YouTube or VoiceThread. This is going to be a perfect example of social learning where my students must work together to come up with the finished product.

There are two long-term goals that I would like to change about my instructional practices regarding technology. First, I want my room to be equipped with a Promethean Board and interactive “clickers”. I plan on getting this equipment installed in my room within the school year. I will be able to bring technology to my students instead of having to travel to use computers, internet or any other form of technology. Having the Promethean Board will allow me to get immediate feedback on comprehension where I can have quick informal assessment of my students through use of the clickers. Another long-term goal regarding technology and instruction would be to set up a website where my students can go to see information regarding my class. I want to set up a community message board where I can post questions to the class and have a running conversation with my students outside of the classroom. I would offer some type of participation credit for the class. The reason I have yet to make this a part of my class now is because I cannot expect all of my students to use the Internet when many of them do not have easy access to it. This class has taught my many ways in which to teach my students through the use of technology. I have also discovered ways in which they can learn through many different theories. I will do my best to incorporate what I have learned into my future teaching.