Hi everyone!
My name is Shel Sanders and I am currently a first-semester English student teacher. I believe that media technology can be a potential ally in the classroom, as it provides a variety of ways to enhance student engagement and efficacy. Technological resources, which range from multimedia presentations to educational games, can modernize classroom instruction and accommodate many styles of learning.
In my experience as a student teacher, interactive grammar games are one application of media technology that I have found to be quite successful, like Kahoot, Quizziz, and Quill.org. With the help of these technologies, English language analysis has become an enjoyable and non-stressful activity in the classroom. Students were able to understand difficult grammatical principles through engaging challenges and quick feedback. Conversely, I have also observed less successful technological applications in the classroom, such as using non-interactive videos that decrease student engagement with the material and induce boredom.
When technology is used to complement instruction rather than replace it, I find it to be extremely beneficial. Technology should be integrated to support education rather than distract from learning. For example, technology can bring tools that would not be available in a typical classroom setting, enable accessible collaborative projects, and provide immediate feedback. This also improves students’ digital literacy skills, which is an integral component to their lives outside of school. When implemented effectively, technology usage promotes student engagement, accommodates a variety of learning preferences, and simplifies complex concepts. The main goal of integrating technology into the classroom is to provide a well-rounded strategy where it boosts learning, encourages creativity, and aids in the development of critical thinking abilities in students. I am looking forward to finding more ways as to how we as educators can best utilize these resources in developing compelling learning environments.
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Hello, Shel. Good to see you again in class. (Are you excited about "Terrifier 3" or what?)
ReplyDeleteSo, regarding your comments about the use of media technology in education, I really like your examples. I totally forgot about the use of Kahoot in the classroom. I remember going to a back-to-school night with my son when he was in high school some years back, and the teacher showing all of us parents how she was utilizing Kahoot in her classroom. We parents all participated as if we were the students. Just like you brought up in your post, the work was an enjoyable and non-stressful activity. And, there were a few things I actually learned, not to mention a new piece of media technology that I had become familiar with.
I also appreciate your comments about technology, when used to complement instruction rather than replace it, can be extremely useful. Technology should always be used as a tool, and any tool we can give our students that they can then take out into the world is going to be beneficial, especially when that world is full of media technology that we all eventually have to navigate.
Sorry, that last reply at 10:15 p.m. on Aug. 28 was me, Michael Picarella. Forgot to add my name and I can't edit the comment or delete it. Hopefully this post will amend it.
ReplyDeleteHi Shel,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate reading your insight on media technology in the classroom. It’s great that you focused on the good that can come from technology in the classroom, as it was very easy for me to only see the bad. You’re right to point out that interactive technology brings lessons to life and makes the classroom a lively place rather than a small prison where students are forced to try to focus on mind-numbing, non-engaging lessons. It’s also good of you to point out the fact that students benefit from new challenges in the classroom in the form of a variety of assignments that can be completed in many different ways through Kahoots, PowerPoints, and educational games. Your perspective is especially refreshing to see because I see so many stories about the dangers of technology and the risks of over-reliance on technology that it’s sometimes hard for me to remember just how valuable a tool technology can be in the classroom. Great post!
Hi Shel,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Quizlet and Kahoot, I have fond memories of using those apps to help me study in high school (not as much Kahoot in college). You mention how stress-free they can make studying feel, and I 100% agree. Thinking back to when I was a high school student, it's almost like your brain is tricked into thinking you are having fun (which can be true!), yet the memorization method has changed and feels much more natural compared to basic flashcards. Even Quizlet has a function where you can create mock tests and test yourself while you study. Super neat!
I think it’s important to note a point that you made: technology shouldn’t replace the learning experience, but it should complement it. Now-a-days (and especially during COVID), it was so easy for educators to simply link some Youtube videos on the course and call it a day. There definitely needs to be a balance between utilization and a simple tech takeover.
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