Welcome to 7215X - Technology in Education!
Over the next few weeks, we will explore several educational software and online programs that you can easily integrate into your teaching and learning. We will look at many free Web 2.0 tools that can be used to communicate and collaborate within your building as well as globally. As we prepare our children for a world of work which will be greatly different from the one we currently know, we must also prepare ourselves to change the way we teach so that it reflects best practices, offers differentiated instruction and allows for the seamless integration of technology.
Technology is becoming a crucial part of learning and teaching. The article mentioned some interesting points but I have some feeling of hesistation. According to the article "Digital learning can be defined as any kind of learning using technology and giving students some type of control over where, how, and what they learn." Students should be able to feel a sense of ownsership over what they learn and how they learn material. It also helps teachers hold their students accountable for their work - since the students have more of a voice when it comes to their learning. This type of digital learning is great because it is interactive and engaging. The article brought about a good point that it provides teachers with "real-time data". This type of data can help teachers differentiate their instruction for their students. Data is the best way to assess the needs of our students. When the data is being transmitted electronically, it is obtained much quicker and so the teacher can assess work much faster.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do have some hesitation. According to the article, “Students are taking formative assessments every time they take a lesson or a unit". The idea that a student is "taking a lesson or unit" digitally makes me feel that the role of the teacher is not being utilized properly. I agree that students can benefit from online videos or lessons as a support system, but not as the sole way of bring taught a skill or strategy. Teachers should be interacting with their students and conducting a lesson, and then perhaps giving a formal assessment digitally and obtaining the necessary results.
Technology absolutely has a place in the classroom an this idea of "blended learning" has some great benefits for both teacher and students.
Some see blended learning as the future of education while some prefer the traditional teaching methods. I agree with Finn, “I think the choice shouldn’t be between full-time traditional school and full-time virtual school.” I like integrated virtual classrooms, meaning every classroom should have both traditional and virtual learning. Blended learning must combine technology and tools with policies and a solid plan if it is to be successful and this is why blended learning rests in the future.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of digital learning as a form of personalized approach to learning. I always saw digital learning as a engaging, fun, and different way of teaching/learning. As I read this article I realized that digital learning does give children options and different learning styles. Deirdre Finn said “digital learning can be defined as any kind of learning using technology and giving students some type of control over where, how, and what they learn.” I think this is a great way to look at digital learning. It also makes children feel in control about what and how they are learning.
The article talks a lot about how much digital learning will benefit students, giving students the opportunity to control their learning. The article focuses a lot on the use of “data”, how it will help teachers differentiate and spend a lot of time on each student. It also mentions that “The most important thing is that there is data,”, “Students are taking formative assessments every time they take a lesson or a unit,..” Does it mean that students will be learning a lesson or a unit through online classes? The article doesn’t say much about the teacher’s role, I understand that the data will help teachers pinpoint where students are struggling. How does the teacher use this data to help the student, when will the teacher teach the class? It is also stated that “Different learning options mean that students can travel to a structured setting such as a brick-and-mortar school and receive instruction delivered by technology, or they can take all of their instruction at home over the computer” I don’t see how the teacher is involved in students learning beside looking at data and helping students that need extra help. If instructions are being delivered by technology then there is no interaction between student and teacher unless they need extra support.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of integrating technology in classroom but I don’t like the idea of having a digital learning where technology is used to deliver instructions. Teachers should be able to teach students and incorporate technology to support students learning, select the technologies and resources for students based upon the activities and students interest. I think students should be able to get some freedom to take control of their learning but this can be done through projects, homework or other in class activities where technology will allow them to be creative and independent. To have a healthy classroom and engage students through technology we need to have effective teachers that will know how to use technology to help students.
The increase of the use of digital learning is being embraced by most school districts with statewide learning policies to guide their efforts. However, “…growth remains uneven from state to state,” which calls us to press for nationwide technology standards and growth. The article states that “learning technologies are interactive, adaptive, and provide real-time that educators can use to immediately tailor instruction.” These are just some of the advantages of the use of learning technologies. Hence, as the article states, “Interactive and adaptive learning technologies can help advance US education.” However, these technologies must be applied uniformly throughout the nation, and there must be agreements on implementation from state to state.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that all instruction could be done via computer interaction is a bit far-fetched. We need teachers to explain and instruct students on computer usage and also differentiate instruction to meet student’s individual needs. Having a virtual school goes beyond from taking a course on-line, and still relies heavily on teacher instruction. The article also states that high quality courses are offered in a very cost-efficient mechanism. This, along with the ten elements of high quality digital learning from the digital learning council go to show that technology can and will become part of our future education planning.
Technology should be a resource that teachers and students can use to further students access to information and learning. The way that elementary, middle and high schools are set up, however, would make digital learning, as they described in the article, challenging. The article mentioned several times that this access would allow students to "bring home" individualized learning and give teachers the opportunity to meet with children one-on-one more effectively. My biggest question would be "When?" At schools like the one I teach at, school begins at 8:00am (children come for breakfast at 7:30am), school ends at 3:00, but then children attend after school until 4:30, and then most child attend a daycare program because their parents may work long hours. When would the ideal time for this home instruction take place? Using technology to individualize instruction is important, but when a school is run from 8:00 - 4:30, online classes aren't an option in my opinion. There are other ways of doing this within the school day, however. Students could attend a computer lab class where their teachers have assigned individual lessons, practice or projects.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue, which the article addresses, is access to technology. Equal access does not exist for all families and schools. Ultimately, wealthier communities or states may have already started this type of learning, but that may be widening the achievement gap between the "haves" and the "have nots". Gaining access to technology is important, but which kids and which schools will be behind the rest of the country?
Blended learning will soon be the way of the future. The article talks about student performances and if the student does or does not do well the teacher will receive instantaneous feedback and results. This will help the teacher to tailor the lesson to fit that particular student and this can be done with all the students in the class. It allows the teacher to be able to spend more time with each student and get to know them better.
ReplyDeleteThe only problem that I see with blended learning is that not have the resources and technology available to them. The growth for this type of learning is “uneven”. This is something that should have been piloted and then given to every school.
According to the content of this article and the insights given by Deirdre Finn and others, blended learning is most likely to be the future of education. As an individual I do give support for blended learning, since it will help students to be well rounded individuals, although it is not clear in my opinion as to what will finally be decided on by the top educators and policy makers. Traditional teaching methods along with the inclusion of various and appropriate technologies will enhance both the teaching and learning process. With the effective and efficient use of these tools they will enable both teachers and students to be better prepared to face the challenges of the changing demands in the workforce and other walks of life. This therefore means that we need to be fully prepared to equip schools with the necessary resources that are likely to keep the individuals in the various learning environments up to date with the external demands. Teachers’ training and constant use of the resources should be a priority to kelp them with making the transition to include them in their teaching and to embrace the change that will be difficult for some.
ReplyDeleteI also do agree and support the use of data to help in determining the instructional process in the various learning communities. Despite what method is being used in the teaching and learning process data will be obtain, the use of technology will enable you to gather the data much faster, but the problem arises when we have to chose the approach that will effectively address the results of the data. The use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process is excellent, but I disagree with having a totally virtual learning environment for every component of education. Everyone is their own unique individual, which will require students to have various needs although they are required to complete the same final task. Some students will be more technologically inclined than others, what will happen to those that are struggling and are not equipped with the technologies at home. With the use of the traditional approach although students are logging behind in the classroom they are likely to practice at home with given materials and return the following day better prepared for the nest lesson. There are a number of factors that must be thoroughly addressed before we can launch out into the future, although there are students that will love to be in an environment where they are in control.
I think blended learning will definitely take over in the future but not in the nearest future. I agree that such problems like access to technology for every student and making time to learn materials at home through the internet will take a while to solve. With long hours in school and then in after-school program makes it almost impossible for such students to find time to learn independently at home using technology. It is probably possible to organize time the way, that every student has access to technology during the school day to accomplish projects, mastering his or her skills, finish the assignments. I think this is the right way to start. At least if school can provide access to technology at least every day that is a big step. My school, for example, even can't do that. That's why I think that to implement Blended Learning based on its 10 elements is not real for some states (NY included). It requires a lot of funds.
ReplyDeleteI believe that teachers need to integrate technology in their classroom as much as possible because, as we have seen from different examples, it really helps to improve the student's progress and help the teachers to see the data and work in a right direction. Like Mr.Finn said "The Blended concept is one of the difficult concepts to convey to policy leaders...It really is the future of education, but it will require specific decisions about how education leaders and policy makers want to provide education."
Finn stated, “I think the choice shouldn’t be between full-time traditional school and full-time virtual school.” I agree; if we switch to an online school then we will encounter the same problems as we do now. Though there are many positive viewpoints in integrating technology into our classrooms, turning a school completely into an online school may neglect the needs of some students who need hands on traditional hands on experience. In short, by completely converting from the traditional sense into a completely digital world, we will come to forsaking differentiation- and no longer does technology help.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the article. Blended learning should be a mix between traditional and digital media; perhaps a student can benefit more from their own monitored learning, but it is up to a teacher to reinforce the objectives. This isn’t something that can be introduced in a classroom all at once; it needs time to grow and gradually be worked into a classroom. The very basics still needs to be addressed: technological availability for our growing student population, cost of warranty and repair as well as time properly invested to maintain a professional environment in our classroom- that is, students won’t deter from the assigned task to hop on an improper site to play uneducational games.
This article is emphasizing the benefits of virtual education. Blended learning is something that is to be incorporated in the future. There are major steps being taken in the classroom to get to this shift quicker. All forms of technology we use are just steps towards this virtual classroom. It is important that the 10 elements for High-Quality Digital Learning are incorporated, otherwise there can be many problems.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, with this form of education and with many uses of technology, I feel humans lose their ability to communicate with each other. Social growth is important to an individual, but virtual education will definitely make that difficult.
As we’ve been studying over the course of the semester, technology is a becoming a major teaching tool in the classroom. In addition, this article states blended learning is the future of education, even though there are still many obstacles that digital learning endures. For example, according to the reading “online and blended learning programs grow at a rapid pace on a national scale with strong demand from students interested in online courses, the growth remains uneven state by state.” This goes to show that although growth of this technology is important and being demanded by students, it is still being hindered by the school system.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this article discusses the idea that not having enough technology in the classroom can limit opportunities for students in areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). I learned that students who have limited amounts of technology included in their education tend to stray away from jobs in the field of STEM. This can be quite a downfall for the future of our students because it limits interesting career paths that they could be missing out on.
At first glance at the title of the article I thought that blended learning meant integrating technology while teachers teach a lesson to their class. After reading the article I saw that the meaning was different that it meant students having more personalized learning and more control over "where, how and what they learn." How will students be guided if they are left up to themselves to learn what they want. There has to be some live human interaction between student and teacher so that they can be able to customerise their education on the right tract based on their needs.
ReplyDeleteThere must be a blance between education and technology in a classroom so that students can gain the full benefits and be well rounded. I believe on line and blended learning varies state by state because not all students or individuals are internet or technology savvy. They may not be as disciplined in their studies as they would be in a physical classroom with an instructor's guide. Although there are interactive digital learning teachersshould still be able to interact with studnets to help them customise their education to fit their needs.
It is refreshing to see that in this transition to blended learning, people are making us all aware of how much actually needs to be done. It is easy to say that technology should be a part of the classrooms, but there are so many factors that need to be put it into place in order to make it successful.
ReplyDeleteThis article points out an excellent benefit of digital learning. If schools embrace digital learning, there will be an increased opportunity for teachers to collect continuous data that will support their ability to differentiate instruction to each of their students. Also because the most of the attention in the classroom will shift away from the teacher, teachers will be able to work with individual students on a more personalized level.
After reading this article, I agree that each of the 10 elements is crucial in implementing digital learning on a wide scale. Quality content, instruction and content are the most essential in my opinion. It is not enough to depend on technology and software that meets student’s interest. Teachers should be prepared to find a way to weave in technology the supports the standards they are trying to reach in the most effective way.
The article makes valid point about the transition to blended learning. Technology will be a driving force in the school system in the upcoming years. The article states, "Digital learning can be defined as any kind of learning using technology and giving students some control over their learning." I believe that technology should be incorporated into learning as much as possible, but I don't believe students should be solely responsible for their learning either.
ReplyDeleteIt was enlightening to read that article because technology can increase the learning rigor and interest of the students in school and out of the school setting. Learning is not limited to the classroom setting, but can be done from practically anywhere. I also agree with the fact that results from assignments and assessments are given instantly and can help a teacher differentiate her lessons according to student scores. As an educator, we should and need to prepare ourselves for what is to come in the future with integrating education and technology.
I have heard a lot of discussion over the past few years about blended learning and how it can be incorporated into our schools. Students would benefit from a balance of technology based learning and traditional lessons. Before reading this article I didn’t think you could spend more time with students individually in a blended learning classroom. If students are working on their individualized program, it is easier to focus attention on one or on a very small group of students for target instruction. Blended learning is also beneficial because as students are working on their online programs, they are constantly being assessed. Teachers can then view data in real time and see how her students are progressing. In a traditional classroom, teachers assess at the end of a unit or chapter. By that time students may have been “lost” or not meeting standards for days or even weeks. It is extremely difficult for teachers to assess every student, each day, and see trends over time. With online instruction, the computer can do this for you. In the past my school has used online programs that create customized lessons and assessments for students. It has treated each student as different and meets them at their level. While students are working I was able to view what each child was working on, and how they were preforming. Personalized learning is a key element of High Quality Instruction. We used assessments to see the areas in which the teacher could provide additional instruction. I think blended learning can be very successful in our school systems, if it is implemented correctly. The only issue I can see is the lack of equity across schools. Schools must be equipped the proper technology, and high speed internet, in order to fully implement blended learning. Hopefully over the next few years, this could become a reality.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has become a very critical aspect of teaching an learning today. The idea of digital learning embraces any type of learning that give students control over what they learn. According to law makers, while digital learning has the potential to increase est scores and students learning in general,one of the major setback is the rate at states are integrating i into their education system. The call is for policy makers in each state who are yet to get on board with digital leaning to embrace blended learning. Blended learning has great advantages because students get access to online learning that access progress on an individual level. That is the students have he opportunity to master a skill before moving to the next level. This removes the pressure of whole-class pacing. The students progress at their own pace.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, the applications are tailored to give teachers, administrators and parents access to students progress. Also these application are inactive and allow student to manipulate tools. Blended learning is the future of education but policy makers are the main barrier to its integration in the school system in some states.
I believe students should be more involved in what they learn. In this article it seems many people believe the same. There is an implementation in place with many states that places digital learning in the forefront. The author states that there is a growth with online learning however not every state has adopted digital learning. It seems like digital learning in every state is difficult because of equity issues, which isn't shocking.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that students are voicing their opinion on their learning. I mean we are teaching the students and their ideas on education should be considered as valid as a policymaker. Furthermore digital learning aids in differentiation and assessment. Once the student has finished an assignment it is marked right away, which allows the teachers to formulate differentiated groups of proficient or developing needs.
While doing student teaching I had the honor of giving my students and exam online and using the results as an understanding of what I needed to reteach or move on from. This was early on in the school year, this also helped with tracking students progression. Digital learning may take awhile to reach all states, but once it is education will change forever.
As technology growing rapidly in this century, we can foresee technology will be blending in classroom for learning and grading. Technology is not merely for students as tools to learn, it's as well as for teachers to grade, prepare lessons, and collect data to build assessment. I agree Finn that "Digital learning can be defined as any kind of learning using technology and giving students some type of control over where, how, and what they learn." Students have ability to use technology very well that adults can learn from them sometimes. Also students in the era of technology will definitely bring up the blending learning to a higher level.
ReplyDeleteDonald
ReplyDeleteDigital learning, distance learning, virtual learning, or whatever the latest trendy name is, takes traditional education delivery to a new level. This evolution of education is still in its formative stages and hence it is hotly debating as evidenced by the article.
My thoughts are that digital learning is here to stay and is part of technology integration in education. The policies and issues such as equal access and how much of a roll it plays in the overall education scheme is still to be decided. But while we are deciding, we sometimes forget the demands our young techno savvy learners. In many ways they have already checked out of the traditional brick-and-mortar schools and live their lives via the Internet- so why not meet them there and deliver their education the way they want it.
Doing so would be in step with promoting STEM and fulfilling the "career and college" readiness of our young learners. In fact, college and universities are at the fore front of digital learning and now offer up to doctoral programs- I get emails offers just about every day from distance learning institutions. And recently I took a course with a professor who got her doctorate from an online institution called Phoenix University. So the question is, are our young learners being properly prepared for digital learning not only at the secondary level, but at the post secondary as well?
The article “Some see blended learning as future of education” makes compelling point about the transition to the blended learning. I also believe that technology should be a part of the classroom and it should be integrated. It facilitates the students to learn better than the traditional learning through the textbooks. It also permits the educators to allow the differentiated instruction within the classroom. Moreover it is a great teaching tool, as it helps the educators in preparing the lesson plans, checking students work and providing the efficient and fast feedback.
ReplyDeleteNow days we even see a lot of online classes are offering in our college as well. People are registering for those courses as these classes are convenient to them in terms of time and commute etc. Definitely blended learning is a future of education in which students take responsibility of their learning as well
The article supports the idea that blended learning can help advance the education system in the United States. It has the potential to increase students’ learning and decrease teachers planning and instructional time. Technology can help students master the basic contents and skills they need to succeed in the various subject areas; leaving them with more time to focus on improving their critical thinking skills and collaboration. The educational software programs that are available to be used in the K-12 classrooms, makes it easier for teachers to monitor students’ progress, and plan more effective instructions to improve students’ learning.
ReplyDeleteA teacher's job is very tough. Classrooms are packed with students with different learning styles and abilities. Therefore, blending traditional teaching with online learning can improve students’ performance in the classroom. The article states that the “new digital learning technologies are interactive, adaptive, and provide real-time data that educators can use to immediately tailor instruction to students who might need extra attention or more time with a given concept.” If these new digital learning technologies are adapted within the classroom for teaching and learning; blended learning will makes it easier to provide multiple learning strategies to aid the learners in the classroom.
The article focused on the work of the Digital Learning Council to engage students in "high -quality online learning". Specific reference was made to Diedre Finn who said that "blended learning must combine technology and tools with policies and a solid plan if it is to be successful". I agree with Diedre's remark and believe if policymakers give careful consideration to the "10 elements of high quality digital learning" then the benefits would include:
ReplyDelete1. Increase flexibility and convenience while retaining the benefits of the face to face classroom experience.
2. Cost efficiency in particularly for universities with limited classroom space.
3. Reduced behavioral issues in grades K-12 as the classroom becomes more learner-centered and students become more independent and responsible for their work.
4. Increased student-teacher, peer communication through the use of blogs and social media
The article focused on the work of the Digital Learning Council to engage students in "high -quality online learning". Specific reference was made to Diedre Finn who said that "blended learning must combine technology and tools with policies and a solid plan if it is to be successful". I agree with Diedre's remark and believe if policymakers give careful consideration to the "10 elements of high quality digital learning" then the benefits would include:
ReplyDelete1. Increase flexibility and convenience while retaining the benefits of the face to face classroom experience.
2. Cost efficiency in particularly for universities with limited classroom space.
3. Reduced behavioral issues in grades K-12 as the classroom becomes more learner-centered and students become more independent and responsible for their work.
4. Increased student-teacher, peer communication through the use of blogs and social media
Blended learning as a future of education is a good idea but before its implementation, all avenues must be explored to find out what extent it will be achievable and successful. A system must be put in place so that all students will benefit from a high degree of learning. Teachers will be able to monitor the progress of students.
ReplyDeleteStudents who are involved in blended learning will have the opportunity to be interactive learners. They will learn new techniques while being monitored over how, where and what they learn. Students will also be embraced with learning technologies that allow them to learn at their own learning style and paces.
I think blended learning is a great idea. It is clear that this is where education is headed. The article points out the many benefits to blended learning one being the use of blogs and social media. We see the benefits of blogs in our own classroom. They are great for shy student, students who, need extra help; they are also great for share ideas and feelings.
ReplyDeleteI am sure many teachers are afraid of being pushed out, but they should not look at it that way. They can get more time with students who are struggling and student who are bored can move on. This will give student the freedom to manage their own learning. Plus they are blending traditional learning with digital learning, which could be the best of both world's.
With blend learning the topic in the article it goes hand in hand with the previous articles talking about how technology can help the education department by using numerous devices together. There is still the problem with funding every device per class and per student being that it is extremely expensive. The good thing about this is that teachers can create a lesson plan based on the results from the devices rather than slow down to make sure everyone is on track. Soon with blended learning being used in every school the education levels will dramatically increase. With changes this big in the classroom it needs time to show accurate results.
ReplyDeleteAs the importance of technology use in the classroom increases, I see more and more of this blended approach in schools now. Integrating technology into our classrooms is extremely important. Principles are looking for teachers who know how to use technology and how to properly integrate it into the classroom, following the curriculum. It's important to have a mix of traditional teaching along with virtual learning for students.
ReplyDeleteTechnology in the classroom is great because it can increase interest to STEM learning. Mathematics and sciences are increasingly the main focus in our nation's school system. Interest in STEM will prepare students for their futures and the increasing need for jobs in STEM related fields. Through technology students can gain a rich education without burning a hole through the schools pocket.