I have learned so much valuable information
this semester in the EME2040 class that will help me in the future as a
teacher. Before this class I was
uncertain how integrating technology into the classroom would benefit
students. But I now realize that if
technology is used appropriately and correctly it helps students grasp concepts
and stimulates learning at a higher level.
Technology allows teachers to reach those students who have learning
difficulties or who may not be interested in a certain subject. Learning becomes more interesting and fun
when technology is added. The YouTube video below explains how technology in an elementary classroom can benefit students in a number of ways.
This class was challenging, but I enjoyed working on the different assignments. My favorites were the Webquest and the Collaborative Lesson Plan. When a normal lesson plan is transformed and built into a Webquest students learn at a higher level. I know that this will be a valuable tool for my classroom and I believe students will benefit and enjoy learning with Webquests.
I enjoyed working on the
Collaborative Lesson Plan because it involved preparing a lesson for students
who may be in your class that do not fully understand English. I became interested in this area of teaching
when I learned how students who come to America from other countries struggle
in the classroom to learn. They have the
capability to learn but due to the language barrier they often fall behind and
feel intimidated. I hope I can make a
difference and help these students be successful.
There are so many useful
technology recourses available to teachers than can make their jobs easier and
more efficient. Some of my favorites
are:
Delicious.com: This website allows you to save valuable
links in one place and access them anywhere you have an internet connection.
Weebly.com: This website allows teachers to easily create
a class website that both students and parents can access to keep up with what
is going on in the classroom.
Student Participation
System: This tools allows students to
participate in a discussion by answering questions using a clicker. The teacher immediately sees the responses
and knows whether to go over a particular point in the lesson or to continue. This gives opportunity for feedback which allows
the student to better process the information that is being taught at that moment.
Teachers also can use:
Email
Social Media
Educational websites
Lesson planning websites
Wikispaces
Podcasts
Voki
And the list goes on.....
Teachers have such an important
job in educating children. I believe
some people are just meant to be teachers.
As teachers what are some of the most important things to teach, to be,
to do? I found this interesting article
on teachthought.com: Teacher: This is What I Need From You that answers these questions from a student’s perspective.
This poem by William Arthur Ward says it all:
The mediocre teacher
tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher
demonstrates.
The great teacher
inspires.
-- William Arthur Ward
Krehbiel, Kelsey,
(2014, March 25). Technology in Elementary Classrooms. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoR9j6i6mKA
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.
Nichols,
Jennifer. (2014, December 3). Teacher: This is What I Need From You. Retrived
from http://www.teachthought.com/learning/10-things-your-students-need-from-you/
San
Diego State University. (2009, July 31).
What is a WebQuest. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7UynehA_l0
