journal post #2 ch#2

Journal Post #2 (Ch.2)

 

Learning Outcome Question#3

                Discuss reasons for using technology to engage students in learning.

 

Many students at all grade levels feel disengaged in the classroom. This may be from all the book and hand written based lectures taught to them. Since students spend a majority of their day with their

phones, in front of a TV or computer, and playing video games, when they get to school and they are not allowed to use these devices they simply lose interest. Educators need to find ways in which they can corporate technology in the classroom. For instance, if there are multiple computers available in the classroom then the educator can split the class and have some students on the computers and the rest on other activities about the same topic. We all learn differently, so let’s teach in different ways too! When the use for multiple students to use the computer is not allowed, maybe a power point presentation on the lecture can engage them. Something else that can engage the students is having them take out their cell phones or tablets and have them look something up as in example, will really engage them.

 

Digital Dialog 2.1 (pg.23)

                How are today’s media-immersed students different from you and from students in the past? How are they the same?

Today’s media-immersed students are different from students in the past because there are too engaged in technology. On a daily base children are on their phones, TV’s, or computers. They want everything to be done fast and don’t have patience. In the past students couldn’t rely on calculators or computers to give them answers. Now all we have to do is get on our phone and there is a calculator and internet to give us answers. Also, children now days don’t want to go outside to play. They prefer the game systems to “play”.

We are all the same in the sense that when we want to know something right away, we can go to the internet and look it up. We are all learning new things everyday about technology.

                How does technology engage students and motivate them to learn? Might different technologies motivate students at different grade levels or might the same technologies motivate students of all ages?

Technology motivates and engages students to learn by simply catching their attention. When educators read or talk for an hour, not much is remembered. It’s not engaging anyone. When an educator brings

technology in the mix something as simple as a power point presentation would get their attention. I believe any and all technology used in the classroom is engaging to students. Of course just like most tools, there are age appropriate told for everyone. Any use of technology in the classroom will benefit and engage students.

                Does every lesson plan benefit from the use of technology? How might teachers balance technology-based and non-technology based lessons?

I don’t think all lesson plans can benefit from technology but I do believe it can always be used. For example, technology in Art can be used but it is more of hands on subject. Whereas, Technology in history or social studies can benefit greatly. With the use of computers, you could go to places or certain periods of time.

 

Chapter 2 Summary

                Twenty-first century technology promotes high levels of interact and learning among students and even educators. With web 2.0 its easier to create interactions with students. I believe educators do need some sort of technology based in at least one subject one a day. This is where students all ages are being involved and learn. Without the technology most students feel disengaged.  Technology can also be used for teachers organizational work (e.i. attendance, emails, ect.) Although a lot of new educators believe technology should be used in teachings, it’s hard to have up-to-date computers. Meaning it can get complicated to always use computers when needed. Along with this, many older educators don’t know how to use technology. Therefore, sticking with reading lectures all day. They don’t know how to use technology and to transform it to their teachings. Educators should know how and be able to understand to use technology and transforming it to at least one lecture a day. If we know this is how students learn and stay engaged, we need to change our ways and teach them how they will learn.