Technology has changed our world in many ways and education is changed with the times as well. I think that as teachers we need to remember our experiences with out own education. We can all remember things we liked about instructional time and things we did not like so much. I think it is important to remember those things and relate to our students otherwise all our efforts are in vain. McManis and Gunnewig talk about the fact that children are exposed to so many different technologies at such an early age that it is only natural that we integrate those experiences into the classroom (McManis, Gunnewig 2012). They also mention some very important things that should be remembered when planning on using technology in the classroom. The first thing they mention is that you need to remember where the children are developmentally. The last thing you want is to use technology that the students cannot understand. They also suggest that technology be implemented into the daily workings of the classroom as well as the curriculum. McManis and Gunnewig suggest that integrating technology in the classroom can cause an increase in several things including abstract reasoning and planning behavior(McManis, Gunnewig 2012).
Technology is best integrated when using student-centered instructional strategies such as cooperative learning, discussion, simulations, and problem solving. Students can easily work on Power Points to share with the class to help with instruction. They can actively discuss topics in class that will help them become even more familiar with the curriculum. In technical classes students can perform simulations to become more familiar with their work and make them more marketable in the job world. Problem solving can be integrated into daily routines to help students learn to think critically.
I plan on using technology to help my students learn and have a better quality of life. I teach special education and I know that technology for some of these students can be life changing and help them well beyond the classroom. I hope to learn enough about technology to be able to help my students be their best in the classroom and in their life outside of my room.
McManis, Lilla Dale; Gunnewig, Susan B. YC: Young Children. May 2012, Vol. 67 Issue 3, p14-24. 11p.
