21 Century Classroom Blog

The application of the technology presented in the class opens my eyes to what is available to enhance education.  The concepts in this class help me use problem solving skills, which is critical for analyzing science topics and using technology.   It is good in a way, that I find all of these assignments difficult except the discussions.  I can relate to students who may find find technology intimidating.  I hope most of them do not.  I would like to use a wiki for the theory section of lab reports because students seem to have a difficult time finding information to base this section on.  In need of technology skills, each year I try to focus on another skill.  Two years ago, it was power points.  Last year, it was my web site and twitter.  This year, can be the wiki's.   I know I need to do this faster because technology is changing quickly. Directly for the students, I need to incorporate technology based assignments which they can use toextend their learning outside the classroom.

The impact of the shift in technology is that it expands the educational experiences for students.  They can  use a prompt supplied by the teacher, then create their own learning experience.  The teacher would need to become skillful in writing the prompts; grading the responses, and bringing the students back together to discuss their information about the prompt.  This would shift education from teacher focused to student focused.  Reviewing Bloom's taxonomy, this would develop higher order learning skills.  This iswhat education should do.

Finally, technology should complement other educational activities in a teacher's toolbox.  Each tool may reach different students, thus is useful.  It is important for teacher to  occasionally review what is in their toolbox and look for new tools.  This is exactly what this class does.