So many choices!

Looking at research and at our own lives today, it’s evident that technology is used in a ton of incredible ways and in various settings.  For those, such as myself, who might not feel as technologically adept as others who seem to know and how to use the latest tools and cool gadgets, it can be difficult to discern where to start or what technological tools to try when there seems to be so many options out there. It can seem especially challenging when trying to determine what technology to use in a classroom, when you’re not entirely sure where to start, when it seems like there are too many choices, when you want to find technology that will be useful for your students, for yourself, and something that everyone will be able to figure out.

Edudemic is an incredible website which offers lots of resources, videos, articles, and useful teachers which can be used for teachers and students. It’s a really neat site, so I would encourage you to check it out!
In one article that was posted on Edudemic, there’s a list of fifty technological tools that have been recommended for teachers to be aware of-either for teacher’s own personal use or for students to try out. It’s not required that educators need to use every kind of technological tool possible in their classroom. It’s important how teachers use the technology in their classroom, whatever technology they might choose to incorporate in their classes. It is important to be aware of what is available and what various resources are able to do, for these tools can be very helpful to teachers as they try to meet the various needs of their students and also to help students in the different ways that they learn best.

Here’s a list of just a couple tools which I think are neat sources!

Grockit:  Students are connected with each other in study sessions that take place on this great social site. Online tutouring is also available!

Schoology: Through this social site, teachers can manage lessons, engage students, share content, and connect with other educators.

ePals: One of the coolest benefits of the Web is being able to connect with anyone, anywhere. ePals does just that, but focuses on students, helping them to learn languages and understand cultures different from their own.

FunBrain: A great collection of educational games. On it, teachers can take advantage of fun tools for math and reading.

Wordle: Create stunning word clouds using Wordle, a great complement to language lessons of any kind.

Quizlet: Quizlet makes it easy for teachers to create study tools for students, especially flashcards that can make memorizing important information a snap. (This is personally one of my favourites!)

LiveBinders: Like a real-life three ring binder, this tech tool allows you to collect and organize resources. Much better than a binder, however, the site also comes with tools to connect and collaborate and a virtual whiteboard.

It's important not to feel overwhelmed, but being open to try new things such as new technological tools. They can be incredibly beneficial to a teacher and students.

ISTE Standards and Conditions

What is ISTE?

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) is an association for educators and education leaders who endeavor to improve learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. ISTE also provides a way for educators to connect with peers, to discuss the challenges and excitement of teaching, and to be part of a community of educators. If you're interested in learning more about this association, click here.

ISTE Standards
ISTE provides a set of standards for educators to carry out with their students. Some of the standards which I especially like is how the focus is still placed upon the students as teachers use digital technology to customize and personalize learning activities to meet students' diverse learning styles. Also, even though this might sound daunting to some educators, I like how teachers are to model and demonstrate effective use of various technological tools. It might seem like quite the challenge to learn how to use different digital tools, but it is neat how teachers have this responsibility to demonstrate to students how to use technological tools effectively.This can and will be of great use to students.

ISTE Essential Conditions

ISTE also provides a list of essential conditions which educators must meet to effectively leverage technology for learning. What I really liked about the list was the different resources and support that should be available to teachers in helping them use technology effectively for learning. I liked how there should be external support for educators such as policies and initiatives at the national, regional, and local levels which are to support schools and teacher preparation programs. Support can also be found within the community to support and fund the use of digital tools in the classroom. I also like how educators should participate in ongoing professional learning which will continue to teach and refine our technological skills. These resources will make sure that teachers and educators are not on their own and they do not have to fully rely upon their own skills in teaching a digital age. The ISTE essential conditions shows that there is lots of support available and many different resources that teachers can have access to, to help them use technology effectively for learning.

 

A Little Bit About Me...

Introduction

Hi, my name is Stephanie and welcome to my first blog entry. Please bear with me as I'm new to the blogging world and am still figuring it out! I am a third year student at Redeemer University College and am very excited as I begin the concurrent education program offered at Redeemer. I would like to teach at the Junior/Intermediate level and I am looking forward to taking education courses and placements to reach this goal. I am presently working towards my BA with a double major in Music and History which will be completed by April 2014. When I’m not at Redeemer I’m usually in my hometown spending time with my family who play a huge part in my life.
As I begin the concurrent education program at Redeemer and pursue a career as an educator, there are many things that I am looking forward to incorporating into my classroom. I want to create a space where my students will feel welcome, encouraged, and respected. This past summer I worked as a basketball coach at a Christian sports camp and I found it so thrilling to work with so many kids at various skill levels and be able to encourage them and see them continually improve. In my class I want my students, with whatever strengths, weaknesses, and skills that they might have, to be encouraged and wanting to continually learn and grow. As my students will be learning various skills in the classroom, I’m excited to also learn from them in which ways I can serve my students best and give them a great education.

Thoughts on Technology

This semester I am taking a “Computers in the Classroom” course which I am eager to learn more about as the course progresses. There are so many ways in which technology can be used in the classroom and I’m excited to learn the various methods and programs which I can incorporate into my teaching. I hope to improve my own technological skills through this course which will further my teaching skills.
Using technology in the classroom is so important for teachers, especially since students of this current generation have grown up in a digital world. Caroline Geck believes that many students today are ‘internet novices’ and ‘information illiterate’ meaning that students have access to technology, but they are not using their tools, such as the Internet, effectively. Geck encourages teachers to take action by demonstrating how technology, particularly the Internet, can be a great tool in the classroom. Geck argues that since most students like to feel web savvy, students should be receptive to this type of instruction. If you would like to read Caroline Geck’s article, Click here to find out more. As a teacher, I want my students to know how they can use their skills in technology to the best of their ability. As I discover more about this myself, I am excited to learn how to use technology more effectively which will benefit my students’ education.