Its been a whole semester since I have been on a blog and I think I can do it now. It was a bit overwhelming for me the last time I graced this environment with my thoughts, but now I am back, better, and ready to take this thing by F.O.R.C.E!
F- Focused
O-Organized
R- Resourceful
C-Calm
E-Elevate
Wow! I just made that up off the top of my head, but it is exactly the acronym I need to get through this semester. Thank you God for that insight!
Okay, so in this class (SSED307) there is much to do with the internet and technology. I understand that we are living in a digital age and it is important for us as 21st century teachers to be up to speed on the internet and its online tools. However, if you are a "technology alien" like me, this can be intimidating. So I decided to do a little research to see how much technology teachers are using in their classroom/ instruction.
I did not find much as far as statistics. While technology has it standards within the common core requirements, there are certain setback that restrict schools from having accessibility to technology. Therefore, funding, demographics, and culture all play a role in who will or how much technology is available in a school (or teaching experience). Technology can play major roles in the classroom, but some schools may require more effort in integrating this tool with in classroom instruction.
On the other hand, I was surprised to find that there was so much talk about using virtual reality within the classroom. In the article I read called "Could Virtual Reality be the Next Big Thing in Education?", the writer points out, "Virtual learning through a VR system could open up a new window of
opportunity for STEM education, difficult and often mundane content to
be presented in a new and exciting way." This seemed to be the point of view for frequent writers within the articles I found on the internet. So though I dread (at least for now) the thought of putting together my own virtual museum (a requirement for this class), I do believe it will introduce me to some beneficial skills that I could use within my own classroom one day. If anything, it might get me some extra kuddos on my resume! It looks like its going to be a great semester. I am confident that we will all get through this victoriously. Don't worry, but take it by F.O.R.C.E!!!!
***P.S: If you have any information (articcle, statistics, facts, etc.) regarding the amount or types of technology being exposed in classrooms or future classrooms, then please feel free to share them below.
Until next time....
Links
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ptc/2014/08/27/could-virtual-reality-be-the-next-big-thing-in-education/
http://www.hypergridbusiness.com/2014/09/5-ways-virtual-reality-will-change-education/
Find the comic at: http://byotnetwork.com/
Technology Alien? No! You can do this! You will be surprised with the quick pace that you will learn. I am proud of you for already beginning the research on VR. I do believe this is an area that will quickly grow in education!
ReplyDeleteCrystal,
ReplyDeleteFirst off let me say that I love your FORCE acronym and I plan on posting it by by desk as I take on this semester! I think that I definitely fit the "technology alien" bill when it comes to using technology in the classroom and being up to date on all of the platforms that my future students will be present on. After reading your post and the articles that you shared I found an article that addressed a teacher applying the flipped classroom method and how it affected test scores from her classes. I was amazed at the results and I loved the connection she made between the flipped classroom and an english class where students read the material at home and come to class for discussion. I think that by looking at the flipped classroom as the way that english classes have always operated will definitely make it easier for me to embrace this new aspect of teaching.
Good luck this semester and get ready for the technology wave that we are about to encounter!
-Leslea Everett
I forgot to add the link to the article that I found.
Deletehttp://www.usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2011/07/14/study-emerging-technology-has-positive-impact-in-classroom?int=96e908