Chapter 10 discusses the roles of technology in the classroom. Before taking technology in education I always had the idea that technology in the classroom is just a distraction for students, but after completing technology in education, I realized that technology is an important tool that should be explored in the classroom. There are some really great programs available to enhance students' education, it would be foolish to not take advantage of something that is at almost every student's fingertips. On an individual level, technology offers students virtual simulations and scenarios that support problem based learning, as well as offering the chance for students to develop their own personal learning network through online interactions. One thing that I found interesting from this week’s reading was about a simulation known as an immersive virtual learning environment (IVLE) on page 412. The book defines IVLE as, “a simulation of the real-world environment that immerses students in tasks like those required in a professional practicum.” The simulation takes exploring real world environments to the next level. Woolfolk gave the example of exploring a virtual rainforest which is really mind-blowing if you really think about it. You would think the easiest way for students from the midwest to explore a rainforest is through national geographic videos, but now there are programs that can take you on a personalized virtual tour with tour guides? How cool!
Exciting tools like these could easily be used in a special education classroom on a daily basis. The first place I would like to virtually introduce to my students is a grocery store. IVLE can help students master skills like learning how to navigate the store using aisle markers, learning how to have proper shopping cart etiquette, learning how to take a number to order something from the deli counter, and even learning how to pay for their groceries at the checkout line. We have studied how students learn more through first hand experience, and this would be an excellent way to give students a first hand experience without having to remove them from the classroom. IVLE can help students repeatedly apply information and practice skills they have accumulated in the classroom to everyday tasks.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina,
Technology was also one of the topics I discussed in my post. I have the same opinion as you do when it comes to technology in the classroom. I do believe technology should be an integral part of many classrooms, but I believe it must be introduced correctly and utilized efficiently. I feel technology should be used as an added resource to maximize or further instruction. I do not believe it should be used as a crutch for some teachers to fall back on. Especially when it involves students that they are unequipped to reach through conventional methods of teaching.
Speaking of our Technology in Education class, I was fascinated by all of the helpful applications that are available to teachers. There are so many different programs that I know would work for a number of students at my school, but some teachers still use the same resources they are used to. I think it comes from a place of complacency. So many of us are just not good with change. I think once more teachers realize how beneficial good technology can be for their students, they will have no other choice but to evolve. Thank you for sharing.
David
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI thought the same as you did about technology being a distraction to students. Educational technology did really open my eyes to tools that can be used in the classroom involving it. When you started talking about stimulation to help students learn the real world made me think about my consumer economics course in high school. We had to do a stimulation that taught us about the real world. We had to buy food for ourselves, get a job, made sure we slept and paid our bills. We also had to schedule our time between different activities we had to do.
The stimulation of a rain forest is really cool. This will help show students what it is like in a rain forest and help them learn the different species with in it.
Speaking about the grocery store, my students go on community trips every week. This helps teach them how to find items, how to figure how much they need to give the cashier, and we teach them to wait for their purchase. For our freshmen, this is the first time they have ever done something like this. The IVLE would be a good tool for them to use before they go out into the community. This might teach them the skills they would need before we do so. This would be a good tool to help my students who do struggle with paying money to the cashier. For my students who do struggle, we usually have to say everything verbally to them.
Hey Gina,
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that our Tech class was able to open up your mind to how useful it can be in the classroom. I know we all struggled immensely in that class, but it really was incredibly eye-opening. Similar to you, I no longer view it as a distraction, but more so as something that can be incorporated into the classroom and have amazing outcomes. I think it is great that you do hands on learning with your students and take them grocery shopping, but you are right, it is nice to be able to teach them the same lessons without having to leave the classroom!
Great post,
Steph