Tech+Integration

Dixie Hedenkamp Technology Integration  EDT - 3010-003  Dr. Hsin-Te Yeh

I watched Anytime, Anywhere: Online Learning Shapes the Future. I liked this idea of online schooling. In the past this type of learning has been typically offered only at the college level. I think there are many advantages to giving student options to learning. I agree that every student learns differently and this gives students that learn at different rates the freedom to work and learn their way, on their time. This video actually claims to prove that online students perform as well or better than students that attend traditional schooling. I do not dispute this as I would imagine that the students choosing this option do so for a reason and in many cases I am sure that certain students excel in this environment. Forty five to fifty states have this option for students and I think it is great to take advantage of changes and access to technology. I believe however that this environment will not work for the average student and that school is more than just the academics and functions of learning. If a student is not self-disciplined or self-directed this option can prove to be flawed. Similar to the Robert Foster, the student in this video, my cousin was on the verge of failing high school. She attended one of the largest and best high schools in Colorado. Unfortunately she did not fit in which later started to affect her grades. A straight ‘A’ student in middle school, her family looked for alternative options. Like Robert she opted for online courses. For my cousin the isolation and lack of interaction and direction proved to be very challenging and she returned back to the traditional environment. Online schooling is a great option for some students; however I feel that teaching requires more than just passing along the curriculum. Many students need the guidance and direction from experienced and dedicated teachers and leaders that are committed to student achievement. Since every student learns their own way it is great to have different options and alternatives. The important thing is to find the option that allows the student to learn best. This video has taught me the importance of technology in the classroom and provides new ways of learning. We live in a data-driven, technological world that drives the global economy, utilizing it in education makes tremendous sense.

Technology drives not only the US but the global world. As a future teacher it is my responsibility to be educated with technology. Computers are a critical and essential part of our daily lives. Information at a click is the expectation and the wealth of information available is limitless. Which is why I plan to use computers to my advantage when I teach, using games watching videos anything that will improve my lessons. I want to teach students the proper way to use technology and convenience it brings. Technologically driven learning is the next wave. Communicating and partnering with students, teachers and educators anywhere in the world is happening today. Collaboration and thinking across races, continents, religion, and more is a phenomenal occurrence. It is a great time to be teaching with the greatest in technological advances to lead the way and make learning fun, interactive and hands-on. Students can get tutoring help, ideas, collaborate with classmates….technology is here…..let’s use it.