After reading Chapter 3, there were a few concepts I found very interesting and vital to technology in the classroom. Technology and learning go hand in hand in today's classrooms. As a future educator I fear that we will not take advantage of technology and use it to benefit students. There are different learning theories that teachers organize learning around. These four theories can be greatly impacted by technology and can be elevated to help students grasp concepts and have a better understanding of concepts.
Another concept in the textbook that I would like to discuss is how technology promotes critical thinking. There are many aspects of technology and tools that can be used in the classrooms. Many of these being games and interactive activities on websites and computers. These activities can be challenging and can help students become more engaged in their studying. It makes the students more excited to learn and more self driven. They feel more independent that they don't always need a teacher directing them, they can learn at their own pace and really grasp the material.
Just like technology sparks critical thinking, it also sparks creative thinking. Learning shouldn't just be straight out of a textbook. I do believe it should have some structure but their needs to be a balance of creativity as well. There are many different tools that can support the expression on creativity. Students can benefit from design tools, digital videos, podcasts, etc. These tools allow students to use their creativity while still applying themselves in learning new concepts.
The video below is a perfect example of a student using technology as a tool to creatively describe the "Sea."
Resources:
Using Technology to Inspire Creativity. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhc9Ywn0mXE
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
Izquierdo, N (2015, September 18). Transforming Learning. Created with Prezi https://prezi.com/k7wpjxu_nta3/transforming-learning/
Awesome job on the attributions (your creation included!) and the embedded Prezi - I also like that you are finding relevant videos to support your thoughts and learning. It is helpful that technology has become more creative in nature and much more beyond consuming - though we do a lot of that also. The interactivity that creates engagement and encourages students to learn on their own initiative is very powerful. Hopefully the critical thinking aspects can be also well planned by teachers to have balance with creative thinking - all using technology as relevant. Nice post. :)
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