Thoughts on Mindtools

I took this course, because I support utilizing technology inside the classroom. After reading the assigned articles I am begining to see just how valueable it is. The main things that I learned this week from the readings is how narrow my understanding of technology truly is. Two things really struck me. First, I saw how I tend to use technology as a means to help people study or display something that they already know versus utilizing the technology to learn. The article on Mindtools really opened my eyes to seeing the potential in using tech. to construct an understanding. I especially appreciated the portion that discussed how to get the most out of your computer and the student i.e., use the computer for retrieval and the student for problem solving. In addition, I saw how technology is the perfect tool to help my students construct their own understanding of the content in an active and meaningful way.

It becomes difficult to narrow down all of the ways that technology is relevant in education. In the end, I do not believe there are many things that are more relevant. Our world is becoming increasingly complicated and information is expanding beyond our comprehention. The only way students will be able to process, understand and manipulate this information effectivly is through the utilization of tech. Technology makes the information active, relevant, fluid, and meaningful. If we do not use it in education, I feel we are doing our students a huge disservice.

I was asked how I will make a difference through using technology. To me that seems like a loaded question. It seems difficult to not make a difference. What will students lose if teachers do not use technology? In the end, if I work to integrate tech in my classroom I can see only benefits.

However, I can discuss all of the reasons that tech. is great, but there are always concerns and questions. As I read the articles several questions popped up. How do I access effective technology? How do I afford it? What do I do in a school that there is little access to technology? Where do I learn how to integrate it properly? How do I assess what students learning? How does one balance the push towards satisfying LOT content standards with letting students construct an understanding of content that has no defined goal? How do we teach students to interact with the information in a meaningful way? How do we structure an assignment, while still keeping it open enough so that it meets the diverse needs and abilities of our learners?

I have no doubt that there are solutions out there. I look forward to learning more.