Best Practices for Technology in Education

Technology can do what many consider the impossible! Now at days, you don't even have worry about writing or better yet knowing correct spelling because there are tools that facilitate that. However there are still proper ways to use technology and still be critical thinkers--hence technology in education. First of all the most important practice for technology in education is for students and teachers to have access to technology. Students cannot integrate to the 21st Century if their education doesn't introduce technology. Another important practice for technology in education is the actual integration of technology in the classroom. For instance, "using video footage can gain deeper and more flexible knowledge of mathematical and scientific concepts."

 

This means that instead of reading about the evolution of human kind from a Biology book, incorporating an educational YouTube can demonstrate a clearer image of this concept. Also practicing proper integration is important because we need to make sure that each tool is appropriate for each lesson. This means that one must match the most effective tool with the most effective pedagogy to achieve the learning goals of a particular lesson (Sun Associations, 2013). In addition, an important practice for technology in education is the reconstruction of the traditional classroom to personalized learning. Students learn differently and in their own unique way; therefore reconstruction is something important to practice. Digital Learning is part of the education system now and it needs to be practiced. How will all of these practices be efficient? Well that's where the teacher and the school system work together. "Teachers must be provided with ongoing professional development opportunities that equip educators to effectively integrate digital learning and employ new instructional approaches" (E-School News, 2015). So in order for technology to remain successful in education teachers should receive the proper development and have technical support in their schools. This practice is important because it is suggesting "ongoing" meaning that because technology changes frequently, teachers must be able to accommodate to those changes. These practices in education can better prepare students for the "real, new world".

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/03/16/classroom-technology-strategies-672/2/

http://le.utah.gov/audit/05_04rpt.pdf

http://www.sun-associates.com/tlresources.html

http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description

What is TPACK?

TPACK, which stands for "Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge" is simply a combination of content, knowledge and technology. Content is what the teacher is actually licensed to teach. For example if a teacher teaches Math, then making sure proper knowledge of that subject matter exists. Pedagogy is having the knowledge of the different teaching methods for each student and technological refers to the ability to apply technology as needed. Each component of TPACK works equally together for a more efficient way of teaching. TPACK is about enhancing students’ thinking for an easier way of learning. It is also an opportunity for students and teachers to explore and think "outside the box". For instance, teaching students the 7 continents of the world might be easier with a virtual game than through a textbook. Consequently that becomes an opportunity for the students to explore the game, but still learn the content. The idea here, is to modernize teaching and going beyond a textbook reading. Nevertheless, TPACK is using technology to engage students and allowing them to develop. In addition, TPACK builds on the core standards by integrating technology to their teaching methods. Therefore, teachers are expected to be creative with their pedagogy with the use of technology. Finally, TPACK is also about having the proper tools in the classroom for every student to access. This means that students shouldn’t have to settle for little when there are numerous tools to benefit from. Since technology has changed everything, it’s only right for the education system to innovate with technology through TPACK.

http://www.ttf.edu.au/what-is-tpack/what-is-tpack.html
http://www.tpck.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_Pedagogical_Content_Knowledge
http://mkoehler.educ.msu.edu/blog/2010/07/02/iste-tpack-video-%E2%80%93-all-the-tpack-2x-the-commercial-interruptions/

What I hope to get out of this course.

Technology is definitely something I feel comfortable with but that doesn't mean I know everything about it. Therefore, something I hope to get out of this course is the enhancement of prior skills. This includes being able to do more than just navigate around different software but actually know what the purpose of a specific software is. In addition, understanding what “the cloud” really is. I have heard this concept so many times I came to the conclusion it might just me a saying. Although that’s true I’m sure it has lots to do with technology and I would love to learn more about that in this course. I also hope to have a better understanding of how to use technology in a classroom. Last but not least, I really hope to master the website making at a respected level where I can teach it to someone else.