Just imagine walking into a classroom where technology has
been given birth and freedom to reign supreme in the life of a child. Technology
is the artistic ability of science to create using gadgets in the palm of your
hand or at your fingertips. And now with our students’ thirst for being left on
the edge of their seat, as educators-we must get on board. Technology has a way
of virtually opening the mind of a child to see beyond the concrete and become
analytical in their thinking. The use of technology gives the child a freedom
to explore, express, and become independent in a supportive learning
environment. According to Gillis, Luthan, Parette, and Blum (2012) the use of technology
has a profoundly positive impact on higher order thinking, self-concept,
motivation and independence.
In my own experience of using
technology on a daily basis has become a way of actively engaging my students
to go beyond what is considered the “norm”. For example, my school participates
in BOYD (Bring your own device) to school to integrate technology into the
classroom. This means my students are allowed to bring any smart device whether
it is a smart phone, IPad, Kindle, Nook…to they may use them during reading or
math to enhance their learning experience. Also I allow my students to
manipulate (Hope) my smart board every day so that those students who don’t
have personal devices can participate as well through E-books or the use of our
Elmo. Another real life experience for innovation of great technology use for
which my students and I loved was when we learned about the history of the
Creek and Cherokee Indians. I constructed the lesson using a Prezi board
presentation, which incorporates music, links to videos, history clips, and
colorful photography. The students absolutely loved this, it blew their minds.
This is something that text books simply can’t do… Afterward; my students
participated in accountable talk about what they learned- I was so thrilled
about the enthusiasm displayed in their voices, and how they were able to
retell detailed information about what they learned. Now that was authentic
learning for me and my students.
Question in what ways are you
trying as an educator to invite technology into your classroom, not for your
personal usage, but for your students? Food for thought…
Joy Overflowing,
April
References
Gillis, A., Luthin, K., Parette, H.
P., & Blum, C. (2012). Using "VoiceThread" to Create Meaningful
Receptive and Expressive Learning Activities for Young Children. Early
Childhood Education Journal, 40(4), 203-211.
