Digital Blog Post #L- Chapter 12

Integrating technology has become an integral part of the classroom environment in which we teach today. Quite often, the teacher has an interest incorporating technology, however, they either do not know how or do not have the means to do so because of lack of finances. For this reason, "teacher mindset" and "multiple pathways" are two elements that are necessary for technology and instruction to create successful learning.  The teacher mindset is the idea that technology is the means to an end, and used only once the content has been learned.  That mindset is not the most conducive to have because content can be learned via technology from the start, as long as the teacher provides that form of learning to take place. New teachers or even existing teachers sometimes get stuck in the rut of assuming that the only way they can incorporate technology in the classroom is if each student has their own computer. Although, that would be easiest, there ARE ways around it.  A classroom can benefit from even just one or two computers in the classroom, if they are being utilized to their fullest potential.  "Technology integration is more about how technology is used by teachers than about the amount of technology a teacher has available to use" (Maloy, 2013). This was particularly a struggle for me as a writing teacher for middle school with only 3 computers in the classroom. In my head, I felt there were an abundance of computer resources I can use or have the students use that would enrich the lessons, however, I would often hit a roadblock and get discouraged with the management of those few computers. At the time, I didn't realize, it was actually my lack of classroom management as a new teacher, that was causing me to feel overwhelmed by the idea of rotating the students' computer time. Going back to the classroom now, having learned what I learned through college technology courses and through experience and discussing with other teachers, it may be easier, but still will take some practice and getting used to.

Digital pens and digital notepads are one concept that I found particularly intriguing.  As a former writing teacher of so many students with either disabilities (ie: dysgraphia)or simply non-legible handwriting, this form of technology would've been such a lifesaver. The idea of having a pen that has the capability of putting handwriting to written text as well as link to software for various functionalities is simply groundbreaking for many types of teaching (and learning) situations. At its most basic ability alone and making reading handwriting legible can make grading essays, and assignments so much easier. I imagine that it also can give students a boost in morale to see their words put to text if it was otherwise difficult for them to write or type in order to express themselves.

Last but not least, developing a technology-leading mindset and have "a willingness to continuously investigate how digital technologies can be used to transform teaching and learning in schools. (Maloy, 2013).  Not knowing how to integrate technology in the classroom can be avoided if a teacher is an active learner of technology. Rather than being overwhelmed by the thought of having to teach each individual student how to utilize technology, a teacher should create a network where they can train and entrust a select few technologically savvy students to tutor the others or help when the teacher is unavailable. A teacher with technology-leading mindset persevere and continue to explore the use of it in schools as well as continue on a forward pushing momentum to constantly learn new things that they can use in their ever-changing classrooms.

The News-Press article about technology in the classroom, featuring myself on the SmartBoard. 

Schools today should encourage teachers to further their education in technology frequently since it is constantly advancing. Through my experiences alone in taking a college class about teaching technology twice, 10 years apart from each other, I can vouch for the fact that what I learned then, pales in comparison to what I learned now. I'm sure that there are plenty of teachers out there that may not realize how many advancements there now and that their once technology based lessons may now be considered antiquated.  Teaching students in such a manner should occur because there will always be a constant push for technology to be the driving force in their future careers and endeavors.

Resources:

Brady, Terry. (Photographer) 2007. Fort Myers, FL: The News-Press.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.