Technology Portfolio for Gayle Adler
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Welcome to my exploration of technology for classroom use. In this site I give examples of Web 2.0 tools used in my teaching practice. Included are tech ideas, videos and teaching resources all in one place.
Why Use Technology in the Classroom?
In high school I read Future Shock by sociologist Alvin Toffler. I was terrified by his premise that the accelerated rate of technological and social change will leave people disconnected and suffering from "shattering stress and disorientation". I kept checking myself for the symptoms. Certainly it was a time of transition for technology, we were venturing into the unknown. But, I believe that technology has met the challenge and today's "net generation" is living the solution. While I consider myself a digital immigrant, students today are digital natives. This computer fluency creates an opportunity for teachers to use technology to connect and educate today's student using tools that engage.
Students are savvy users of technology, a first step in their journey to digital literacy. But the goal is to go beyond just using technology. The goal is to develop an understanding of, create, and use the power of these communication tools at their fingertips. Doing so prepares the student for future success in our wired world.
What does this mean for teaching and the teacher?
Why Use Technology in the Classroom?
In high school I read Future Shock by sociologist Alvin Toffler. I was terrified by his premise that the accelerated rate of technological and social change will leave people disconnected and suffering from "shattering stress and disorientation". I kept checking myself for the symptoms. Certainly it was a time of transition for technology, we were venturing into the unknown. But, I believe that technology has met the challenge and today's "net generation" is living the solution. While I consider myself a digital immigrant, students today are digital natives. This computer fluency creates an opportunity for teachers to use technology to connect and educate today's student using tools that engage.
Students are savvy users of technology, a first step in their journey to digital literacy. But the goal is to go beyond just using technology. The goal is to develop an understanding of, create, and use the power of these communication tools at their fingertips. Doing so prepares the student for future success in our wired world.
What does this mean for teaching and the teacher?
- Teachers need to use current technology to be relevant to students who have already are consumers of the media.
- Teachers need to use digital media to integrate reading, writing, and art because the new media requires skill in all three.
- Teachers are facilitators and guides to the development of digital fluency in students.
- Student content and expression is the first priority, technology will support it.