Module 6 - Learning in a Digital World

Technology is such a huge part of our world as well as our classroom today.  Therefore, as a teacher, I am also a leader in educational technology.  Through this I am able to share ideas of new technologies to others as well as tell them how those technologies can be beneficial.  Technology in the classroom can help keep my students interested in learning as well as motivate them to want to learn.  

It is my belief that technology has made so much more information accessible to our students.  Therefore more knowledge is gained from a multitude of sources.  I feel that the technology in my classroom has helped me connect with my students which have been raised in a truly digital world.  Technology is such a huge part of their lives it is only fitting that it be integrated in their education. 

Responded to Debra Morris and Sandra Dykes for Module 6.

New Technologies - Module 5

As of two years ago every classroom at my school was equipped with either a MIMIO or Promethean board.  I myself use my Promethean board everyday, several times a day.   However, there are some teachers who never use theirs.  Our school purchased these with the expectation that they would be used and not become wasted technology.  I try to encourage teachers in my grade level to use their board and even offer ways that I use mine to give them ideas.  However, one teacher just doesn’t seem to be convinced of the benefits.  While having a conversation with this teacher I told her that our principle had informed me that he really believed that the EIP students would greatly benefit from a teacher who uses technology has part of his or her teaching method.  She said to me, “Well I guess I don’t have to worry about getting the EIP students.”  Her attitude was that of someone who not only didn’t know how o use it but really did not have the desire to learn.   

-According to Keller’s ARCS model (Driscoll, 2005) teachers need to create of sense of curiosity for the other teachers who would be attempting to use the new technology (Attention).

-Likewise we needed to relate the technology’s purposes to individual goals of the teachers (Relevance) (Driscoll, 2005). 

-Generate specific pieces of proof that would be useful to show success of learning specific content areas (Confidence) (Driscoll, 2005).

-Lastly, teachers could share successful presentations, slideshows, or websites with one another to reduce the workload (Satisfaction) (Driscoll, 2005).

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson
Education, Inc.

Responded to Sandra Dykes and Debra Morris for Module 5.