Technology Moving Teachers from Front to Center…
Share your thoughts on this article in 5 or more sentences using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, then reply to 2 of your classmates. Click on link below for article.
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.
Reflecting on the previous two articles "Khan Academy" and students wanting Mobile Technoloy for persoanlized learnig, I was assured that teachers really should not feel threatened to technology, or the sites that can help their own students to master their fairs in difficult subjects. It just helps students to get advanced in their work and it encourages them to learn by being engaged.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that the Common Core State standards are being integrated into technoloy for K-12 education. That creates a good balance and makes it easier for teachers to plan, teach and allow their students to have a collaborative learning experience.
As Taylor indicated when he convince the teachers that the Common Core sssesments will place "more emphasis of the application of content and a greater focess on interpretation and analysis" students will be forced to use their own thiking, or high order thinking instead of regurgitating what was said, or taught. It would encourage them to be original thinkers and analyst ready for the job market out there, since being a good analyst is one of the major requirements that employers look in hiring individuals to work in their companies. This is one of the critical areas where teachers would be needed in the classroom inspite of technology to help and guide students in this process.
I agree that administrators and teachers should not have students sit in front of a computer all day, and that teachers should maintain their role as an expert in the subject matter. They should learn the technology and interact with the students during and after students view what is being taught to them on the computer. Teachers should be at the center of the classroom as a guide and advisor while everyone around them collaborate and learn with one another.
The article mentions that after using the technology based lessons students have increased their benchmarks from 76% to 90%. The article also mentions that the technology based lessons can provide valuable information for using differentiation on student’s lesson structures. Nonetheless, the role of the teacher still plays an optimum role in the classroom, and it is highly unlikely that teachers would be replaced by machines. Educational software can focus on children’s strengths and highlight children’s weaknesses. From there on in, a differentiated approach could be applied to student’s learning.
ReplyDeleteThe ASCD conference focused on curriculum mapping, “online professional development and systems that can provide educators with real time data to improve student performance.” The article also states that “Technology does not equal a teacher.” Henceforth, teachers don’t need to live in fear of losing their jobs because of high technology, but they need to be experts on the subject matter and tools.
This article discusses how fifth grade teachers turned to the web-based software to help them focus on what each student needs to focus on to improve their reading and math grade. The software used was Study Island. This software gave the teachers real-time data so that they knew what to focus on with each student. This school began the school year being 59% proficient and jump to 91% proficiency by the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a great educational tool, but the teachers must be trained in how to use it. It is a great way to help all with or without learning disabilities. Computer could never replace the teacher in the classroom, but can help us rethink they way we learn and teach our students.
Based on the content of the article this ASCD Conference was primarily established to focus on the transition to the Common Core Standards across the states in the United States of America with an opportunity of interjecting the importance for integrating technology in the classrooms. The Common Core Standards These according to Bruce Taylor, “would ask students to reason, integrate, and demonstrate knowledge.” These components will allow students to become individual thinkers and more dependent on their understanding and previous knowledge of concepts. It is my opinion that the full impact of the introduction of the Common Core Standards Imitative will not be materialized until all states have adapted it and the curriculum are all at the same level. This well be possible as is mentioned in the article that, “educators across the country will work under the same guidelines for what students need to know and are expected to do. In this case both teachers and students relocating to a different state will not be forced to make adjustment to different standards that are likely to affect the teaching and learning flow.
ReplyDeleteAccording to most of the latter portion of this article there appear to be emphasis on the use of technology in instructions in the classroom. As it was clearly stated there were many exhibits highlighting the need for technology as several scenarios were shared where teachers from Pennsylvania reported on the success their students had in math and reading using technology as another measuring tool of students’ success. The integration of this new tool into the curriculum will be the focal point in many conferences to come since it is the most widely used and engaging medium for students today. With this insight in mind most educators believe that its use in the classroom is likely to keep students more engaged and successful in their assessments. On the other hand teachers should not see this tool as a means for deviating from instructions and contact with their students, since students need all the necessary guidance to be that well rounded individual. Teachers will therefore have to plan effectively to incorporate this tool in the teaching and learning process and must be provided with the necessary resources to effect the required changes in the curriculum.
Public schools are now integrating and aligning Common Core State Standards with their cirriculum if they have not done so already. Teachers need to be planning their lessons according to the CCSS. By differentiating your instruction and including technology into your teaching, you can enrich and enhance student learning. Hall states in the article that “Technology does not equal a teacher, You have to take the time to learn the technology, but you have to maintain your role as an expert on the subject matter and tools.” I strongly agree with this statement. Technology does not replace a teachers mind and knowledge, it is meant to assist your teaching and help enhance learning. Teachers are still the primary role model and person of expertise in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteTeachers need to take the time to learn about how to use technology and incorporate it effectively in the classroom. The article stated that this change or rethinking "...can cause some anxiety on the part of teachers." Change is not easy, and with CCSS becoming a crucial part of lesson planning and now technology - I can see where teachers might get stressed. However, there are plenty of professional developments and workshops to assist you and make it easier.
There is plenty of data out there that shows how effective differentiated instruction and technology is. According to the article, "By differentiating instruction based upon student needs and using the benchmark tests to direct instruction, the school was able to jump from 59 percent proficient at the beginning of the school year to 91 percent advanced and proficient in May 2011." Data helps you know what your students are struggling with and computer based tests are some of the best ways to gather this data.
I like when educators come together and talk about technology in the classrooms. It’s nice to know that people realize how important technology is for children. At this conference they emphasized that the common core assessments in technology would ask students to reason, integrate and demonstrate knowledge, “There will be less dependence on rote answers and more emphasis on the application of content and a greater focus on interpretation and analysis.” I think this is a great tool for teachers so that they can know more about their students. When class sizes are so big it gets hard for teachers to learn all of the strengths and weaknesses of his or her students.
ReplyDeleteI like that the real life study math and reading benchmark assessment in Fleetwood, PA showed the importance in differentiation. Differentiating instruction helps students based upon their needs and the technology was able to place students in their specific level of learning. The study in PA showed advancement from 59% to 91% in student’s achievement because of the differentiated technology.
“Technology does not equal a teacher” and I don’t think it ever will. Teachers lead lessons and make sure students are working. Teachers also maintain order in the classroom. Technology can help students and teachers advance but teachers will always be needed.
At the ASDC conference they mentioned the impact of technology on K-12 education. The use of technology will allow “educator to get to know their students better, differentiate their instruction, and create digital learning materials together”. By working together teachers can save time and give more attention to their students’ needs. Teachers will get the opportunities to learn from each other’s and share ideas. ASDC also talks about teachers being able to adapt to the integration of technology in classrooms. This is very important because teachers need to have a better understanding on how to use educational software, be able to use the tools to support differentiation and make sure that the technology is relevant to subject matter and to the students. Technology is a very powerful tool if teachers can utilize in an effective way.
ReplyDeleteASDC also mentions that “There will be less dependence on rote answers and more emphasis on the applications of content and greater focus on interpretations and analysis.” I like that they are focusing on the content area and having students interpret what they learned. Usually students play games and other educational activities that don’t focus on content area and it’s hard to tell if students understood the material conceptually. By using educational software teachers can see how much a student knows about the content, see how they are progressing and know how students are using their critical thinking to do problems.
This article touches upon a serious concern I have when it comes to the issue of integrating technology into the classroom. My question is, when does technology become too much and what then becomes the role of the teacher? We are all aware of the benefits using technology but how do we maintain the ability to create thinkers and the ability to reason within our students.
ReplyDeleteAs we see, many jobs are being replaced by computers, but teaching is one field that I believe cannot be completely overtaken by technology. Teachers are needed to do more than just convey information. However it is extremely important that teachers learn how to use it to differentiate and meet the needs of each individual student. I really loved how this article pointed out the growth that students were able to make when their teachers used technology to target their needs. This growth however was evident because of the strategic planning and assessments used by the educator.
All in all I think this quote from the article says it best: “Technology does not equal the teacher. You have to take the time to learn the technology, but you have to maintain your role as an expert on the subject matter and tools.”
Technology certainly brings both anxiety and data options to the classroom. This past year my classroom used data from Acuity, Performance Series and the New York State tests to assess where students were in relation to the 3rd grade curriculum and differentiate based on their needs. Data is helpful, but learning to use the programs and read the data took multiple workshops and hours on the teachers' part. This article certainly addresses these main concerns that teachers have in the classroom. Ultimately, technology will help teachers by providing them with instant data, but they must know how to access this information or have the materials for the students to take online assessments.
ReplyDeleteI agree with taharib that the best quote from the article was, "Technology does not equal the teacher. You have to take the time to learn the technology, but you have to maintain your role as an expert on the subject matter and tools." As much as technology can do, the truth is it will never be human. It will never be able to identify with children's strengths and challenges. On the other hand, teachers cannot be expected to look at a child and give an accurate assessment on what that child knows and what they still need to learn. Classrooms need teachers and technology to make education the best that it can be.
This article was interesting to me because it discusses how teachers can utilize technology to make their assessments better. Many times, the conversation about technology is how technology can help the students. It is important to remember that technology can be beneficial to both teachers and students.
I am totally agree with Meghan. It takes a lot from the teacher to become familiar with the software. But when it is used properly it gives a lot of help with analyzing a data and assessing the students. But like every one mentioned the best provider of knowledge and skills is still a teacher. A live person knows better how to build the assessment and what the particular students need to focus on. Analyzing the data and providing practice - that what technology needs for and it helps to a teacher to check the students' progress. Even if there are the same benchmarks for a particular grade teachers will use their own approach and experience to make sure their students will met them. Positive experience of using software to increase students' level of education should inspired more and more teachers to use technology in their classroom. Technology is really universal tool that benefit both: the students and the teachers.
DeleteCombination of teachers and technology will make better classroom in the nearest future. As we have seen through several articles by now using technology in the classroom is a very hot topic and more and more teachers agree that we need use it to provide a better education.
The article talks about using computer and other technology to mark the progress standards each student has met at the beginning of the school year and the end of the school year. I was a little confused about how they determined this information: Did they use the software “Study Island” to determine the student’s current benchmark? If so, they might miss a few variables such as student’s metacognition in response to multiple choice questions and electronic errors and computer malfunction. Since this study takes place in fifth grade classrooms, this has to be assumed that students are already proficient in technology (especially typing) before the start of the school year otherwise the accuracy of these findings may not be the student’s academic progress but their proficiency in technology.
ReplyDeleteThis was stated in the article: “This will allow you to focus on thing that make them human and not flesh-and-blood hard drives… There will be less dependence on rote answers and more emphasis on the application of content and a greater focus on interpretation and analysis.” I wish they stated what it was in this software that provides differentiating between students.
It’s difficult to change and difficult to see how this new technology would function in our classrooms, especially since many of us grew up and learned in a technology deprived classroom. This is where it puts into play, we too as educations will also learn alongside our students.
As this article mentions technology is becoming a really big tool when it comes to differentiation. As a part of the Common Core Standards, technology will have a big role to play in the curriculum for kindergarten to 12th grade. I think today's technology is appealing to all sorts of learners, such as visual, auditory, and hands on learners. The article also mentions that with technology incorporated into the curriculum it helps teachers and students get to know each other better and embrace the new digital world, through digital learning.
ReplyDeleteThis article also makes me think about future teaching with using technology. It states that "Education software is in its primitive state. Think of where it's going to go in ten years". Now that schools are beginning to embrace more technology in the classroom I believe as we move further down the line its going to become even more advanced. I think maybe in ten years a lot of things that are done using pencil and paper in school will be done using advanced computers or tablets. Even if this is the case, I think students should be given a choice of what they want to use, whether its technology or paper and pencil method , to do their classwork or homework. In this way, their choice of learning will also be differentiated.
Technology makes differentiated instruction easier to incorporate in the classroom. It's very helpful that the Common Core Standards have technology incorporated in it. This ensures that teachers actually do work towards integrating technology. It's important when hiring teachers, administrators look for these qualifications.
ReplyDeleteAs much as the shift towards technology can be pushed for, its important to remember the saying from this article, "Technology does not equal the teacher." This is important for the teachers to remember because this may seem to relax teachers. Their instruction and assessment is still needed.
Derice
ReplyDeleteUpon reading the article I was glad to see that so many teachers feel that using technology in the classroom cabe so helpful. Many teachers that I know tend to not use computers because they feel that it is too complicated. I liked how the article stated that many of the teachers are using technology to keep track of benchmark activities for the students. I myself use study island sometimes. One of the draw backs though is that many of the schools do not have access for students to technology and although many students have a these accesses at home some don't and that in turn causes a problem. I also case how some teachers may feel threatened by the technology but in truth it cannot replace us. Yes the students would love to work on the computers but they also need that interaction with the teachers who can give them encouragement and share with them.
Donald
ReplyDeleteThe article talks about a meeting about the Common Core Learning Standards that shifted its focus to technology in education. The attendees of the meeting discussed technology issues such as its use in differentiation, how it created benchmarks for student performance that drove instruction, and how it allowed teachers to get to know their learners better. There was also the issue of the threat of technology replacing teachers in the classroom.
I find all these issues are relevant and I would say that technology is here to stay. And the faster we embrace it the better. In fact most of the common core curriculum in math (my field) is better done through technology. For example, the whole Ready Math common core curriculum is online along with video reviews, assessments that generates instant data, interactive lessons, and a toolbox with all kinds of lesson enhancements.
The article also mentioned Study Island which I personally use in my classroom. Its a wonderful technology too which I use for homework assessment to generate instant data for next day remediation instruction. The kids love Study Island and are more apt to complete homeworks than when assigned by traditional pen and paper.
This article discussed a conference held in Philadelphia which touched on the common core standard and technology. With regard to technology a few teachers were pleased with the technology use they utilized in their classrooms. A few middle school teachers talked about a benchmark assessment tool they used called, Study Island. They stated that the program help them get to know student understanding of concepts which in turn helps with the differentiation needed for students. I will definitely check out this website for my classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe author also expressed, although technology is advancing in education it couldn't ever take the place of educators. Technology is a great tool to aid teachers with lessons and concepts. The teacher is still the facilitator or as the article leads the "center".
At the conference one of the speakers also talked about technologies that can assist teachers with their own skills, like a professional development course. I feel these programs are beneficial because you can access the information at your leisure and multiple times if needed. I know for me being a new teacher going into an unfamiliar environment, programs like these can help me with the transition into the classroom.
I agree with Hall in the article when she stated “administrators and teachers shouldn't have students sit in front of a computer all day,” because “technology does not equal a teacher.” Teachers do not simply impart information and knowledge to students; they encourage independent thinking, enquiry and learning. When teachers educate children, it is more than just teaching them the “3 R’s,” they are developing a trust between themselves, the students and their parents. When this trust is established it creates an environment where learning can occur and students can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. The virtual world cannot do that, it is teachers that keep students alive. Therefore, teachers and the teaching profession will always be around.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can teach concept and skills, but teachers inspire students to be lifelong learners. Teachers know their students; they know how to get the best out of their students. Teachers use technologies in their lessons to enhanced students’ learning like the web base software, Study Island, used by the teachers from Fleetwood PA to assess students’ strengths and address areas that need improvement. Technology can do so much and no more. It is teachers that have to find the best way to ensure that every student in their classroom is prepared for the real world.
This article seems to suggest that the way forward with education is technology. While the Common Core Standards provide the meter stick for the curriculum by dictating what is to be taught; Technology seems to be the tool to implement it effectively. It provides teachers the opportunity to know their students better, differentiate instructions and create digital materials for instruction.
DeleteThe article also, seems to suggest that while technology is advancing students learning, it has created a wave of uncertainty among teachers in relation to their job security. Education official Bruce Taylor reassures teacher of their place in education. However, the understanding is that they must be equipped to facilitate technology in the classroom.
The use of web-base benchmark assessments to determine students' progress, to identify their strength and address their weakness, requires teachers who are prepared to help students succeed.
This article is vey similar the previous articles. It pushes teachers to use technology in their classrooms so that they may reach their students on their level. We can use technology to differentiate instruction, but the teacher must also be competent in using that technology. It was astonishing to see the schools progress jump from 59% to 91%. Although these are impressive numbers, I am not sure this will be the case in every school setting, just by using benchmark assessments. Computer based instruction can give a lesson on various levels, but it is not guaranteed that every student will be focused on their screen. The role of the teacher is crucial to learning. Only a teacher can tell when a student is un focused, and re focus them. If educators use technology as a supplement to target instruction, our students will get the most out of their instructional day.
ReplyDeleteThe issue of the growing impact of technology on grades K-12 continues as teachers make adjustment to the new Common Core Curriculum. There is no doubt that teachers have to keep current to the latest technologies. I agree that "technology does not equal the teacher". However, how it is used by the teacher will determine how effective that teacher is in getting students to learn.
ReplyDeleteThe use of technology such as the Study Island software to assess students' strengths and weaknesses allows for differentiated instruction. This type of instruction has greatly increased students' performance, as was sited in the article of a school moving from 59% proficiency to 91% proficiency. These result should be used as indicators to teachers of the increase demands they will face from administrators to increase performance on a yearly basis. It is therefore crucial they be knowledgeable on new technologies they can use to improve students' performance.
The article indicates that the technology based lessons can provide valuable information for using differentiation on student’s lesson structures. This article also states that after using the technology based lessons; students have increased their benchmarks from 76% to 90%. I also believe that technology integration helps students to achieve their goals as it provides a different medium for them to grasp the instructions. As it is said with the use of technology, more students are entering into the field of STEM.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the article also touches upon the fact that technology does not equal a teacher. The teacher should use the technology as a teaching tool in order to support the students’ learning and not let the students sit next to the computer all day long. The educators must act as a facilitator to direct the students towards their learning. Educators must be able to develop critical thinking among the students through inquiry based approach using technology.
The article states that the technology is growing and many schools have been integrated with devices in learning. The author emphasizes that "technology does not equal the teacher" which I strong support this line. Technology can be replaced as human beings who lead students with directions. Also, students can't spend whole day in front of computer learning what they need. As always, social interaction and group work in a team are what they need to spend more time in deed. Teachers, for sure, need to take time learning the function of a technological device so they integrate that in teaching.
ReplyDeleteTechnology does not really move teachers from front to the center of the classroom. A teacher is supposed to be a model figure and an educator who sets the tone for learning in the classroom. The teacher needs to keep abreast with modern technology, impart and implement into the curriculum various teaching strategies and methods that cater for the needs of students.
ReplyDeleteStudents will have the opportunity to see their teacher as a model who sets the pace thus encouraging them to function effectively and efficiently in the classroom. They will be able to interact with teachers on a one to one basis, share views, assist and socialize with peers through the learning process. At the same time, students will explore with the use of modern technology.
This article states that even though technology is advancing in the classroom it is not replacing teachers. Teachers are still the center of the classroom. Technology is can be used as an aid or tool for a lesson, but the teacher give students encouragement and face to face contact. Teachers develop relationships between the students and the parents.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can be used in every classroom as long as it is used correctly. There are many websites that will help teachers, students and parents. We discuss many of them in our class. The Study Island assessment tool looks like it would be a great tool for all teachers. I intend to use technology in my classroom. We still have to embrace technology and give our students the tools them need for the futures as the article to show us; there are still many benefits to technology, so we have to learn how to makes them apart of our classroom.
I really enjoyed reading this article. There were some valid points made. Technology is not meant to take the place of the teacher. This is one profession that can not die out. The use of technology should be used to enhance a lesson, and bring a different teaching style to the classroom. The articles mention of differentiation makes me believe that technology is needed in order to run differentiation within the classroom. With NYS fully using CCSS, its great that the standards manage to incorporate technology at some point. Teachers should be kept up to date with the latest technology, so that they can learn to use it more effectively in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThis article talks about the increasing importance of technology in our classroom and how it could be incorporated into the common core state standards. With technology educators will be able to get to know their students better, differentiate instruction, and create new learning materials for students. Technology plays a large role in our personal life. Most adults as well as students connect to the world and through the Internet and technology. Technology consumes so much of our life and we learn from it everyday. It has become a great teaching tool and can't be avoided in the classrooms. Technology will only help us, students and teachers, to learn and progress academically.
ReplyDeleteTechnology comes as such an advantage to teachers. The great thing about technology in the classroom is a real time data that teachers receive to better help students. The quicker teachers receive data, the quicker it is for them to improve student performance. The real-time data allows teachers to know their students better which allows them to help them more efficiently. I love the example used in the article in which the teachers use the web-based software for benchmark assessment and how the student percentage jumped from 59% proficient from the beginning of the school year, to 91% advance and proficient at the end of the year. I would definitely use technology to better help improve my students performances.
I like how this article goes to show how technology can help the classroom and put away the myth that teachers will be replaced with a computer. The article gives statistics that are supporting the fact that it is boosting the student’s grades and giving more time for the teachers to work one on one with the students struggling. Theses technological advances in the classroom are giving the push in education that may be helpful to the masses. Even with all the magnificent technology being introduced to the education system, teachers will never be replaced; they are needed to be the experts on the subjects and experts at using the devices in the classroom. With teachers being more comfortable about not being outsourced by an I Pad they have become more open minded to the technology, educating will take off in a new direction with technology as the inspiration.
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