Reflective Essay On Technology in Education

Educational technology is course that guides the teacher in incorporating technological aided
instructions and activities in the learning process. Some of the technological tools include
computers, projectors, Internet, podcasting, blogging, video conferencing, cell phones etc. The
educational technologies can be used to facilitate the teaching of what is embedded in the content
area of a curriculum. I consider myself an average person in terms of my knowledge and ability
to make use of the available technologies in the classroom, hence my deep appreciation for the
course and the patience the Lecturer displayed in having my classmates and I in getting over the
phobia in some areas of the course. The use of technology in the classroom is constantly been
encouraged by the education sector to which I agree. As a mathematics teacher I see where I can
make more use of computer assisted instructions. The teacher can Facilitate and inspire student
learning and creativity. Teachers can use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and
learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and
innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers can; Promote, support, and
model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness; Engage students in exploring real-
world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources; Promote student
reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students conceptual understanding and
thinking, planning, and creative processes; Model collaborative knowledge construction by
engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual
environments. In a subject area, technology can be used to create projects. Students can learn to
create photography, videos, stop animations, etc. Also, technology can be used as PowerPoint or
videos, as a way of introducing new topics. On the Internet, social media is a great way to get
the students involved in and out of class. The Internet opens up many opportunities for students
to view, analyze, comment on, and appreciate learning. Students are able to work on group
assignment together despite their different location. This is a big plus for both group members
and lectures/teachers.

In doing a group assignment involving Camara, Tara-jo, Christine, delving and myself, we were
able to work collectively on a task given to us by Mr. Hill who teaches us Entrepreneurship.
Being able to access a student blog page and comment is important in expressing oneself.
Sometimes students will not talk aloud in class but will express themselves via such medium.

Teachers need to Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments. Teachers
should design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments
incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to
develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes. I now know that it is important to; Design or adapt
relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student
learning and creativity; Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all
students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own
educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress; Customize
and personalize learning activities to address students diverse learning styles, working
strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources; Provide students with multiple and
varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards, and
use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

Digital portfolios are ideal for allowing students to analyze and comment on each others work.
That way, the students can begin to have comments that are continually reshaping them as an
individual because they continue to respond to one another. This will aid in the students
learning and art making.

In doing this course I had the opportunity to express my view on the integration of technology in
the classroom. I must add that I see nothing wrong with students carrying cell phones to school.
This is one of the tools that should be used in this era to aid learning. The challenge is, managing
the misuse of cell phones. Sooner or later educators will realize its not a crime to carry cell
phones to school.

Teachers need to model and not just talk about digital citizenship and responsibility. We must
make ourselves aware of the local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving
digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.
As a teacher, I must; Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital
information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the
appropriate documentation of sources; Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-
centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources; Promote
and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology
and information; Develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging
with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital age communication and collaboration
too. I will definitely give the students a chance to make use of some of these softwares for
example www.ixl.com/mathematics where they can go practice to a number of mathematics
problems on their own. This will allow for learning at their own pace and discovering things for
themselves. I believe if more teachers are able to participate in courses such as this, the faster we
will see the eradicating of the mere chalk and talk approach to teaching. Students interest may
become more excited a viewing the introduction of a lesson via YouTube rather than listening to
a story or song.


Compiled by Garfield Fuller
ID # CA 1325