After reading Chapter 2 from the asigned book, I am able to understand the fact that 21st century students prefer their work to be done through technology. As teachers, we have the responsibility to make the subject matter meaninful, understanding for the students. And I believe, along with the lecture notes, board and worksheets, technology has a huge role to play.
Technology not only, makes the subject matter interesting for the students, but also it helps to integrate the skills learnt in class inform of projects, group work and also presentations. As a chemistry teacher labs are integral part of my course work. But, safety is important as well. There are times when I have not done labs based on the student behavior in my class. Technology can solve this problem. As more and more virtual labs are emerging , I dont have to worry about safety issues for my students if they have to use acids or other corrosive chemicals. They can understand the content by doing experiments in computers, and at the same time finish the lab.
These tools also helps students to organize themselves in a better way. They will know what to expect out of a class through sharepoint sites and better prepare for the class. When the work is done in computers and sent to drop box, there is less chance of students missing the work and it is always saved in a database for future reference.
By using discussion board and blogging students can discuss with each other , about their learning from anywhere. It is a good review process and also can be made a quick form of formative assessment to know how much students have learnt about the subject.
Technology also gives students the uptodate information about a topic. It takes more time to search a book rather search the same topic online and the information obtained is always updated.
Thus, overall technology and its tools will definitely help teachers to reach students in a faster way and will also help students to understand subject matter in a creative and interesting way.
Technology not only, makes the subject matter interesting for the students, but also it helps to integrate the skills learnt in class inform of projects, group work and also presentations. As a chemistry teacher labs are integral part of my course work. But, safety is important as well. There are times when I have not done labs based on the student behavior in my class. Technology can solve this problem. As more and more virtual labs are emerging , I dont have to worry about safety issues for my students if they have to use acids or other corrosive chemicals. They can understand the content by doing experiments in computers, and at the same time finish the lab.
These tools also helps students to organize themselves in a better way. They will know what to expect out of a class through sharepoint sites and better prepare for the class. When the work is done in computers and sent to drop box, there is less chance of students missing the work and it is always saved in a database for future reference.
By using discussion board and blogging students can discuss with each other , about their learning from anywhere. It is a good review process and also can be made a quick form of formative assessment to know how much students have learnt about the subject.
Technology also gives students the uptodate information about a topic. It takes more time to search a book rather search the same topic online and the information obtained is always updated.
Thus, overall technology and its tools will definitely help teachers to reach students in a faster way and will also help students to understand subject matter in a creative and interesting way.
I liked your comment about blogging being a quick formative assessment of a student. I agree that it is a great method. I also agree that the internet is a more effective way to keep students updated on information. It allows us all to have knowlege and information instantly.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who seriously considered becoming a science teacher before shuddering at the thought of labs, I am intrigued by the thought of virtual labs. Not only would there be less of a safety concern, but students could also do the lab "off the clock" which opens the flexibility for pacing the class now that these large chunks of time don't interrupt the natural flow of concepts.
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