The definition of Instructional
Technology is very different for me from what the books states. I had the technology part all in my mind. I
was thinking of how we use electronic technology like computers, iPads,
Promethean boards and thing of that nature in mind. It seem that those things are included in Instructional
Technology, but it is much more. It is
how we plan and use this technology as well.
It is also how we learn and teach the use of all forms of technology.
I think a lot of lesson we teach
these days are student centered. I teach Kindergarten and we do a great deal of
student centered activities where they are even helping to teach by getting up
in front of the class. All lesson we
teach should be goal oriented. For instance if I am teaching the alphabet my
goals are for the children to learn to recognize the symbol that represents
each letter, the sound each letter makes and to be able to write each letter. I
use meaningful performance by checking for understanding. I may ask a question rigorous
question or have a project for them to complete. I think for outcomes that can
be measured in a reliable way we do that with have the children put it to
pencil and paper or reproduce a product that fits the lesson. For instance if
we are leaning the letter A, I might have a student tell me what symbol (a)
that I am holding up, what sound does it make, can you write it? I might even
have them locate things around the room that start with that sound. As far as
empirical, iterative and self-correcting, I am still working on that one. I am collecting date from different sources
to try and help my students to better themselves. I agree that it is a team
effort. In planning any lesson it is
easier when you do it with others. It is
nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of and to just help with getting
everything needed together.
I feel that Reiser is wrong in
excluding chalkboards and textbooks from his definition. We still need these things and they are
technology. Students still need concrete
things to help them to learn. They need
to know that there are other things to learning besides things with a screen
like computers, iPads, iPhones and Promethean (smart boards).
I am intrigued to learn more about
this subject.
It is amazing to me how much technology can play a part even in a Kindergarten classroom!! Students their age are better and figuring technology out than adults most of the time. I can imagine it would be difficult to incorporate the empirical data and self-correction in a Kindergarten class lesson. I also agree with the idea that chalkboard/whiteboards and textbooks are beneficial for the educational process because, if nothing else, we need to make sure we don't loose touch with the simple techniques that can still prove worthwhile to our students, no matter their age.
ReplyDeleteI had not stopped to think about how technology could be truly utilized within a Kindergarten classroom, but I suppose that it makes sense because many children that age are more familiar with various devices that many older children or even adults are. I suppose that this might be due to the fact that they do not seem the least bit scared or intimidated to try something new. Sometimes I wish I could be a little more like that. I like what you said about instructional technology being more than just the technologies that are used, but "how we plan and use this technology as well". I also agree with your statement that "students still need concrete things to help them learn". They tend to forget or have a hard time believing that there was once a time when technology did not exist as it does today.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post.
Wow, you are an inspiration,2 children,job and school, that is quiet a task. I agree with your thoughts on the fact that students need a good foundation,with all the technology in the day to day life of most children and it is such a fast changing world that they must have a solid foundation of learning in order for them to have a baseline to expand their knowledge. I have worked with SPED children in the past as a Social Worker and the technology out there for the IPad has endless possibilities and apps to enhance their learning. Even with all the technology and gadgets they still need those basic learning skills. I see parents give their children a smart phone to play with and I have to wonder what those children will do if our electric grid ever goes down,I see very few children who know how to do anything to entertain themselves without a smartphone, DS or tablet. I think in order to keep students grounded in the basics, we need to keep textbooks,chalkboards and teachers at the foundation of the classroom and not loose site of the processes that have sustained our educational system for many more years than the technology generations since the 70's.
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