First off, today’s iGeneration is formed by a part of
eight-to-eighteen year olds; these are youngsters that have grown up using
computers, the internet and other digital media as constant features of their daily lives (project tomorrow,
2012a). According to the book youngsters born since 1990, this generation have
never known a world without cell phones, text messages, and other interactive
technologies (Posnick-Goodwin, 2010). I was surprised to see that the book
states that youngsters born in 1990, since I was six years at that time and
really don’t recall electronic devices being popular at that time. Now, more
like 1996-1999 I’d say the beepers/pagers were trending. Figure 1.1 shows a table chart reflecting the
ages and multimedia the youngsters that are popular since 201o, genders were
not specified.
Second, devices such as- Tablets, smart phones, and lap tops
are technology tools that can be used for learning. When you enter teaching you
will find it quickly that every part of the job is tied to computers and the information
they help you access, manage, and share with students. This suggests rethinking
the kinds of technology tools you are using to communicate and manage
information.
·
Tablets (also called tablet computers) are
small, very powerful machines that use touch- screen controls and provide
Internet access through a mobile network from companies like Verizon, AT&
T, or T- Mobile. The best- known tablet is Apple’s iPad, but competitors abound
from companies such as Samsung, Motorola, T- Mobile, and BlackBerry. Through
their design, iPads and other tablets promote interactive learning as students
work together “remixing media and content, collaborating with peers at a
distance, sharing and communicating findings clearly and efficiently” ( Berson,
Berson, & Manfra, 2012, p. 89). Tablets and smartphones run apps (short for
applications) that can be used for thousands of instructional purposes.
·
Smartphones are mobile telephones that perform a
range of information communication functions, including Internet access, voice
communication, text messaging, and video viewing. These devices have evolved
into handheld computers. One student we know is so proficient at using her
smart-phone keypad that she submits papers for college classes using her phone.
Apple’s iPhone has propelled the development of smartphone technology, and now
there are numerous competing models from other companies. Although not yet
total substitutes for computers, smart-phones offer teachers on- the- go
options such as rapid note-taking, quick texting and email communicating, and
easy information searching. Like tablets, smartphones run many apps for
educational learning.
·
Laptops (also called laptop computers, mini
computers, or notebooks) weigh between two and eight pounds. Although their
lightness is a significant bonus, the computing power of these machines makes
them vitally useful for teachers. High-quality laptops offer substantial
battery life, an easy- to- read screen display in all kinds of light,
sufficient memory to run multiple applications, and enough processing speed to
handle downloading information and processing files. They have enough storage
to be filing cabinets and virtual libraries.
Third is Technology-based library, An Internet- accessible computer with
social bookmarking tools gives teachers a vast collection of curriculum and
instructional resources— their own technology- based library. This is very
helpful not only to teachers but to students as well. Therefore, students are
able to search for any question or concern they may have for a learning topic. There
are Internet sites on every topic imaginable, with vast data banks of lesson
plans and curriculum ideas. Of course, there are also immeasurable amounts of
useless and potentially harmful information on the Internet. Teachers need
electronic tools to ( 1) help them access and assess information online, ( 2) catalog
and manage information once it is located, and ( 3) structure how students
will use information to promote critical thinking, creative problem solving,
and inquiry thinking. In my opinion this is very convenient to as when and how
we wish to find materials and/or information useful to what we need.
In conclusion, technology is very promising in education, whether you are
a student or teacher, it is very useful and convenient to most, since it is quicker
to type or voice command whatever it is that is needed right at that moment. Also,
technology is growing and expanding fast and that is a benefit to each and
every one of us.
Resources:
Textbook - 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.
Yay! You got your first blog post submitted - it even includes a very cool embedded video! I would love to find out what happens in the future in that village where the tablets were dropped off! Wouldn't it be interesting if the students were able to read? I would guess that there would still be a need for a teacher to provide some guidance and facilitation, but I do think that the technology can do wonders for increasing practice, fluency and opportunity to read.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to always include all of your resources in APA citation format in the Resource section. You indicated the textbook, but you had referenced other information in your post which also needs to be included.
Third is Technology-based library, An Internet- accessible computer with social bookmarking tools gives teachers a vast collection of curriculum and instructional resources— their own technology- based library. This is very helpful not only to teachers but to students as well. Therefore, students are able to search for any question or concern they may have for a learning topic. There are Internet sites on every topic imaginable, with vast data banks of lesson plans and curriculum ideas. Of course, there are also immeasurable amounts of useless and potentially harmful information on the Internet. Teachers need electronic tools to ( 1) help them access and assess information online, ( 2) catalog and manage information once it is located, and ( 3) structure how students will use information to promote critical thinking, creative problem solving, and inquiry thinking. In my opinion this is very convenient to as when and how we wish to find materials and/or information useful to what we need.
ReplyDeleteIn conclusion, technology is very promising in education, whether you are a student or teacher, it is very useful and convenient to most, since it is quicker to type or voice command whatever it is that is needed right at that moment. Also, technology is growing and expanding fast and that is a benefit to each and every one of us.
Resources:
Textbook - 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.