Digital Badge #L - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 discusses integrating technology in the classroom.  I really liked the “Voices from the classroom” section because the teacher explained how the use of technology has made learning in her classroom more of a collaborative effort.  The use of technology has replaced the old way of teaching where the teacher stands in front of the class and lectures.  Now, the teacher and the students are able to do things together, such as exploring a website.  By including the students in the teaching process, they are more engaged and interested (Maloy, et al, 2014, p. 301).

I also found the section on “Technology Integration Issues” interesting.  It basically explains that teachers who were used to a teacher-centered large group approach to teaching tended to be more hesitant about using new technology.  One of the reasons was that they were afraid the students would ask them a question they couldn’t answer (Maloy, et al, 2014, p. 303).  Obviously, professional development training is important.  However, if a teacher wants to truly embrace technology, I believe they need to let go of the fear of not knowing an answer.  There will be times you don’t know an answer or mess up when you are getting used to new technology.  There is nothing wrong with letting your students see that you make mistakes as well.  You can also let them know that you’re both learning this together, which makes the whole experience more collaborative for the students, as mentioned above.  

I also enjoyed learning the difference between automating and informating.  Seeing your grades at the end of the quarter on the computer verses a hard copy is an example of automating (Maloy, et al, 2014, p. 311).  However, having a portal where you can see your grade in real time throughout the entire quarter is an example of informating.  This new way of viewing grades allows a student to alter their actions in response to what they see.  They might realize, “Wow, those zeroes from not doing my homework are really hurting my grade in here.  I need to make sure I change that.”

Photo credit to Hans Feldmeier on Flickr

Reading Chapter 12 and learning how to integrate technology and become a leader in technology was a great conclusion to this course.  All the technology we’ve learned about isn’t any good if it isn’t properly integrated.  To do that, teachers need to lead the way by working with each other and their students to make this happen.

References

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2014). Transforming learning with new  technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.