With the invention of the movie projector, Thomas Edison predicted teachers would be obselete. It doesn't happen very often, but even the great of inventors was proved wrong. On the contrary, I don't think Edison quite understood the evolution educational technology would under go. Reliance on the chalkboard has dramatically decreased since teachers now use the electronic Smart Board. These Smart Boards are not only helpful because they allow teachers to transfer notes from the Smart Board directly to a computer, but it also allows teachers to use audio and video resources. The key is the evolution of educational technology enables teachers to enhance their teaching strategies.
I firmly believe that my role as a teacher will not change regardless of the the changes in technology. Even history strongly backs this statement. Teachers provide much more than the transference of their knowledge. They play a prominent role in the way students apply this knowledge. Educational technology is simply a means to transfer this information. For example, teachers would use the chalkboard to write vocabulary words on the board along their defintions. With the evolution of technology, teachers can now use computer software that include music programs to create songs that will help students easily remember vocabulary words.
One characteristic that technology can not provide is affection. I would like to believe that it takes a compassionate person to become a teacher; at least the ones that are in for making a difference in the world and not for the paycheck. Teachers are essentially the building blocks for the future of this world. This provide students with the encouragement and motivation to do their personal best even when times may get rough. Can an electronic Smart Board do that? I realize that distance learning is becoming more preferred over physical learning environments, but it is a teacher that affects eternity. He or she never knows where their influence will stop. I am comfortable that I will not be replaced by a robot such as those in the movie I, Robot. Human beings crave for the positivity that comes from human interaction. I hate to prove Thomas Edison wrong yet again, but teachers will be forever be an integral part of education.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
My Dream Classroom
Every teacher dreams of having the perfect classroom. What that entails of is certainly indicative of the teacher. Personally, my classroom would be visually appealing to my students, but also include educational tools that would enhance the learning experience. In this day in age, a student's learning experience is dependent upon the available educational technology. Unfortunately a vast majority of students are unable to benefit from the technology due to a school district's financial problems; however, that doesn't stop teachers, such as myself, from dreaming!
I made a promise to myself that I would never simply just lecture by standing in front of the classroom and dictating notes. Ever since I was introduced to power point, I envisioned myself relying on that as a way to reach my visual learners. My recent interaction with the Mimio Board strengthened my desire for the power point software. Not only would I be to use the Mimio to display power point presentations, but I would be able to display video and allow the students to interact with the material. This strategy would be beneficial for my kinesthetic learners.
In many of the lesson plans that I have created I have required the students to use computers readily available in a computer lab. While the computer lab is wonderful to have, I would prefer to have laptops readily available in the classroom. My brand of choice has always been a Dell; therefore, I would invest in a classroom set of Dell laptops that students can use for writing in Microsoft Word, researching through preapproved websites, and using graphic software to create themed illustrations. I believe the laptops would be a wonderful asset to not only my teaching methods but to my students' learning strategies as well.
As a Social Studies teacher, I tend to incorporate lots of dramatizations in my lesson plans. I firmly believe that by reenacting certain parts of history, students learn much more! They are able to experience what was and then be able to formulate their own opinions about today's society. After all, history does repeat itself, doesn't it? To document the dramatizations, I would like to have a few audio/visual recording devices so that students can have copies of what they have accomplished. It also makes for an interesting souviner to look back on ten years from now. I am a fan of Sony, so I would invest in Sony HD Handycams. Not only are they easy to work with, but the picture quality is amazing! The Handycam also allows students to take digital pictures, which is definately a plus!
Obviously much of teaching centers around educational technology. Sometimes I like to be simple and not include the high tech tools, but I believe these genius resources are available for a reason; why not use them? Twenty years from now, technology will probably evolve and new gadgets will be available. It is my responsibility as a teacher to pave the road for my students' success, so my lesson plans must include the tools that will help them in every way possible. Unfortunately, money has and will always be a factor as to what is available. As my parents always told me, money doesn't grow on trees. Just for once, wouldn't it be nice?!?
I made a promise to myself that I would never simply just lecture by standing in front of the classroom and dictating notes. Ever since I was introduced to power point, I envisioned myself relying on that as a way to reach my visual learners. My recent interaction with the Mimio Board strengthened my desire for the power point software. Not only would I be to use the Mimio to display power point presentations, but I would be able to display video and allow the students to interact with the material. This strategy would be beneficial for my kinesthetic learners.
In many of the lesson plans that I have created I have required the students to use computers readily available in a computer lab. While the computer lab is wonderful to have, I would prefer to have laptops readily available in the classroom. My brand of choice has always been a Dell; therefore, I would invest in a classroom set of Dell laptops that students can use for writing in Microsoft Word, researching through preapproved websites, and using graphic software to create themed illustrations. I believe the laptops would be a wonderful asset to not only my teaching methods but to my students' learning strategies as well.
As a Social Studies teacher, I tend to incorporate lots of dramatizations in my lesson plans. I firmly believe that by reenacting certain parts of history, students learn much more! They are able to experience what was and then be able to formulate their own opinions about today's society. After all, history does repeat itself, doesn't it? To document the dramatizations, I would like to have a few audio/visual recording devices so that students can have copies of what they have accomplished. It also makes for an interesting souviner to look back on ten years from now. I am a fan of Sony, so I would invest in Sony HD Handycams. Not only are they easy to work with, but the picture quality is amazing! The Handycam also allows students to take digital pictures, which is definately a plus!
Obviously much of teaching centers around educational technology. Sometimes I like to be simple and not include the high tech tools, but I believe these genius resources are available for a reason; why not use them? Twenty years from now, technology will probably evolve and new gadgets will be available. It is my responsibility as a teacher to pave the road for my students' success, so my lesson plans must include the tools that will help them in every way possible. Unfortunately, money has and will always be a factor as to what is available. As my parents always told me, money doesn't grow on trees. Just for once, wouldn't it be nice?!?
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