Integrating Technology in the Classroom Environment
Why Integrate Technology in the Classroom Environment?
Keeping students connected to the real world is essential in any learning environment. By integrating various forms of technology into the classroom environment, students will be able to to make use of various programs that support learning. As a teacher, it is my goal to continuously stay on top of the latest offerings of technology given that technology can enhance learning in the classroom.
"Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals." (Euptopia http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction)
In taking two different courses, Media, Technology and Education and Technology in the Classroom, at McGill University, my knowledge and understanding of technology has greatly increased. With my constructed knowledge, I plan to incorporate make use my wealth of techonological understanding by integrating technology into the classroom as a means to support and enhance the learning experiences for all diverse learns.
"Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals." (Euptopia http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction)
In taking two different courses, Media, Technology and Education and Technology in the Classroom, at McGill University, my knowledge and understanding of technology has greatly increased. With my constructed knowledge, I plan to incorporate make use my wealth of techonological understanding by integrating technology into the classroom as a means to support and enhance the learning experiences for all diverse learns.
What Technology Means to Me
Media Literacy
In present times, the meaning of literacy is more than just the ability to read and write, but also a capability to understand the messages that are hidden in media. We live in a media-saturated world, in which we are bombarded on a consistent basis by various advertisements that present messages that are used as a method of persuasion. In order to be literate in our evolving technological landscape, all of us including children, the young eager minds of the future, have to be able to read and grasp the messages that inform, entertain and most importantly sell messages with hidden truths.
Elizabeth Thoman (2003), Founder and President of the Centre of Media Literacy referred to media literacy as:
“The ability to interpret and create personal meaning from the hundreds, even thousands of verbal and visual symbols we take in everyday through television, radio, computers, newspapers and magazines, and of course advertising. It's the ability to choose and select, the ability to challenge and question, the ability to be conscious about what's going on around you and not be passive and therefore, vulnerable of media literacy is the principle of inquiry.”
Media literacy is a very important subject that should be implemented into the classroom as an exploration unit, which will allow the children to gain a great understanding of the continuously changing media world that surrounds them. Media literacy isn’t only about having the right answers; it’s about having your children ask the right questions.
Elizabeth Thoman (2003), Founder and President of the Centre of Media Literacy referred to media literacy as:
“The ability to interpret and create personal meaning from the hundreds, even thousands of verbal and visual symbols we take in everyday through television, radio, computers, newspapers and magazines, and of course advertising. It's the ability to choose and select, the ability to challenge and question, the ability to be conscious about what's going on around you and not be passive and therefore, vulnerable of media literacy is the principle of inquiry.”
Media literacy is a very important subject that should be implemented into the classroom as an exploration unit, which will allow the children to gain a great understanding of the continuously changing media world that surrounds them. Media literacy isn’t only about having the right answers; it’s about having your children ask the right questions.
