Technology?!

Element 4; Aspect 4.1.5 – Use a range of teaching strategies and resources including ICT and other technologies to foster interest and support learning.

How ICT can be used in the classroom

I am very excited today; I have seen a lesson on the Interactive whiteboard! I observed a writing lesson which my teacher conducted with my prac class. My teacher conducted a modelled writing lesson with the students and then used maths games on the IWB as a warm up for a maths lesson. The children’s response to the IWB amazed me. As soon as the teacher said we are going to play some maths games on the IWB it was like a switch and the children were sitting beautifully, facing the IWB and ready. If this is what technology can do for children in the classroom then I need to be a techno genius!

Learning and teaching in the classroom in the 21^st century requires future and practicing teachers to be ready to meet the transformational challenges of ICT use in education (Finger et al, 2007). This is the future of education as a teacher and there is nowhere to hide from technology falling upon us. I admit it is scary to think a lot of children I could potentially teach will be more highly skilled than me with technology, but the benefits of ICT in the classroom far out way my apprehensions.

As a beginning teacher I know the more I embrace new technologies which are being used in the classroom the better equipped I'll be when it comes time to take a class of my own.  A case study conducted by Hammond et al (2009) looked at the way student teachers use ICT in teacher education courses. What the case study found was that many beginning teachers who had good use of ICT skills during teacher training, found themselves to be better contributing to the professional idea of being a ‘good teacher.'

I agree with findings of the case study conducted by Hammond et al (2010). I know from only one semester at university I have learnt so much more about ICT and technology then probably ever! Professionally I know I am learning the skills I’ll need not only to teach the children but to meet the standards set out by the NSW Institute of Teachers. I guess I am intrigued to see what I am capable of doing next...the technology world is my oyster!!

Until my next reflection where I will have taught my first lesson and am using the IWB for the first time. I am excited to see what lies ahead, fingers crossed it will be a positive!

References

Finger, G., Russell, G., Jamieson-Proctor, R & Russell, N. (2007). Transforming learning with ICT: Making IT happen. Frenchs Forest: Pearsons Education Australia.

Hammond, M., Crosson, S., Fragkouli, E., Ingram, J., Johnston-Wilder, P., Johnston-Wilder, S., Kingston, Y., Pope, M & Wray, D. (2009). Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 18(1), 59-73. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy1.acu.edu.au

Image retrieved from http://www.computers4kids.co.za/images/integration.gif