Technology Reflection

Technology integration seems to becoming a regular part of student learning in today's classrooms. If you were to walk into different schools across the United States you would find the technology varies from school-to-school. Oftentimes this depends on student needs and school budgets. Some of the technology possibilites might include:

teacher has a computer that is connected to a projector or whiteboard
laptop/iPad/iPod carts
a few classroom desktops or laptops set up
school computer lab with a 1:1 ratio for students

Teachers have to determine the best configuration with the support of the technology integration specialist. Some possibilities with the technology listed above would include:

the teacher leading a lesson using one computer projected onto a whiteboard in which students can follow along and participate interactively as a whole group

students work in small groups collaboratively and share a computer in the classroom

students work independently using laptop/iPad carts (provided there are enough laptops/iPads etc for every student)

teacher books the computer lab and students are able to work independently on a computer

There can be obstacles when working with technology that can easily be overcome. The scenarios are not always perfect but can be worked out. Below are some pros and cons to the configurations listed above:

Having a computer connected to a projector that can be used interactively with the class as a whole group, is a great way to teach engaging lessons. The con to only having this option in the classroom is that students do not get the chance to work independently using a variety of different programs or even in small groups or with a partner on a collaborative project. During interactive whole group lessons, an individual student's time using technology is limited by the number of students who will be taking turns.

Students working together in small groups using classroom based desktop or laptop computers is a great way for students to collaborate, have enriching conversations that promote learning, and understand the value and importance of team work. The con of this configuration is that students never have that independent opportunity to complete projects or authentic assessments. The teacher will not be able to assess an individual student through the use of technology under this configuration.

Laptop/iPad carts are a very convenient way to integrate technology in the classroom. It is especially helpful if there is enough laptops for every student to have their own. Students are then able to work independently on assignments and have the opportunity to use different programs. When laptop/iPad carts do not have enough computers for all students, then students can work with a partner and collaborate on an assignment. There are several cons to this scenario. First, if students have to work with a partner based on the number of available laptops/iPads then again, the teacher will not be able to assess students individually. Another con with using laptop/iPad carts are charging problems. If a cart is not plugged up or if students return laptops to the car with out plugging them up then the battery life will be short and could shutdown. Older computers may only have a short battery life even when fully charged. Other problems include your typical wireless connection issues.

Having access to a school computer lab is a great way for students to be able to work independently on their own computer. This provides an opportunity for them to use different programs on their own and the teacher can assess individual students. The only real con to this situation is having to book the computer lab and ensure it is available for the time period a teacher needs. It also means that students will be under time constraints based on the amount of time allowed to be booked by teachers.

Regardless to which configuration is used, teachers can integrate technology into lessons and still follow curriculum guidelines as well as Bloom's Taxonomy. There are many Web 2.0 tools based on Bloom's. Some of those tools listed under each Bloom's category include:

Remembering -
Flickr - photosharing and mapping
Zoho - documents, spreadsheets, and presentations

Understanding -
Bubbl.us - brainstorming tool
You Tube - videos

Applying -
Story-starters - creative writing prompts for kids
Penzu - online journaling

Analysing -
Create-a-Graph - create different types of graphs
Exploratree - create thinking guides

Evaluating -
Voicethread - create digital conversations
iRubric - create rubrics

Creating -
Prezi - create presentations
Glogster - create projects, boards, presentations

Technology integration can enhance learning experiences and opportunities. It also, unfortunately, comes with a price that often determines what resources are available for use including both hardware and software. During the creation of my recent budget matrix, I was impressed with the number of programs that are free for basic services (which is usually all that is needed for students). Many other programs that are not free do offer special rates for schools, teachers, and students. The cost of equipment was quite expensive and was a real eye opener as to why many schools do not have more technology resources. It also helped me to understand why it takes a long time for technology to be replaced even when it is outdated.

Reference:

Southern New Hampshire University. (n.d.) Teacher Collaboration Part 1. Retrieved from Southern New Hampshire University, EDU520 website.

Web 2.0 tools based on Bloom's Taxonomy. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.casdonline.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectionid=2365&/#revised