Digital Badge C

As I was reading on page 46 of this chapter the teacher was asked by a concerned parent “Why are you emphasizing so much technology in your teaching?”  I am sure all teachers at some point in their career face parents that probably feel this way and will need to be prepared with a knowledgeable response.  Thinking about this scenario, a teacher has a tremendous responsibility to not only his or her students but to the community.   They have to be prepared to not only teach the day’s lessons with enthusiasm and creativity but they also have to be ready to give appropriate responses to whatever questions come their way.  Even with this much responsibility, I believe some people are just born to be teachers, it is something they desire to be; it comes from within. 

This chapter offers a lot of information to be ready to address those questions.  With proper use, technologies in the classroom can “generate unique, powerful and transformative learning experiences.”  Children these days are being raised on technology and seem to have something built in them to understand how it works.  So when technology is combined with subjects like math, history, science and language arts and even music and art; students will be more likely to understand and enjoying learning.  On page 54 and 55 of the textbook, Montessori believed that learning should include a self-correcting feedback that teaches in a nonjudgmental way.   Computer games that students can play in the classroom that offer instant feedback would be beneficial in the classroom.  This is true for me while I was completing my math courses.  The homework was done on the computer and sometimes I would struggle to figure out the answers; the instant feedback of the program allowed me to rework the problem and then further understand how to correctly solve the problem.  So I completely understand this concept.  It is not giving feedback in a negative or judgmental way which can make a student feel embarrassed.  

When I was in school, teaching was done in a teacher-centered approach.  The students sat in rows of desks and the teacher stood in the front of the class and taught at the chalkboard.  I think this approach is still necessary to some extent to teach specific concepts.  But I believe the classroom should be arranged so that the room feels open to all student and there is no one sitting in the back not paying attention.  I believe students should be active in the classroom, working with hands-on activities and in groups to come up with solutions to real world problems using critical thinking.  The Importance ofCritical Thinking on Bright Hub Education explains that without critical thinking skills we cannot process information logically.   It is important for students to develop good critical thinking skills to be able to think independently and solve problems not only in school but in their daily lives outside of school. 

Banerjee, Ranee Kaur. (2012, August 10). The Importance of Critical Thinking. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/97818-the-importance-of-critical-thinking/ 

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.

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