Upon completion of this project, I learned many things about
meaningful learning with technology integration, and really enjoyed the
opportunity to search different mediums to further our understanding of how
technology can play a role in a classroom. Building a concept map of our
understanding, and searching Pinterest was a creative way to understand the
concepts at hand.
Personally, I learned that technology should be a tool that
teachers use to help further understanding. It should not replace the teacher
completely, but rather be a supplementary resource for them to use. By incorporating technology into a classroom,
students will be more proficient at an emerging life skill and better prepared
for the shift into the digital age.
Given unlimited resources I would certainly apply this
concept, by way of allowing each student to have their own computer, in which a
personal email, twitter, and other accounts would be set up to allow the
students to stay connected to the class. By remaining linked, students can see
how lessons from class appear outside of the classroom, then post or email for
the rest of the class to see. This
outside sharing of information fosters even more learning, but in a way that
appeals to the digital generation.
With the rise in technology, the question for me remains why
haven't more teachers chosen to move into the social media age? Children and
teenagers alike are the booming demographic on social media, and it should be
harnessed as an up and coming assistive tool to engage students. Using
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media can serve as a technology integration
that will not overtake the classroom but instead expand its possibilities.