These last chapters deal with integrating technology in specific classrooms. I chose to read chapter 12 and chapter 15. Because 12 deals with integrating technology into a social studies classroom, which happens to be the closest subject to history, which is the area I plan on teaching. Using technology in the classroom has pros and cons just like any other methods of teaching. This blog will discuss the benefits and drawbacks to using technology in a social studies classroom.
Advantages: the whole reason for using technology in classrooms is to engage the students and help them to be interested in the subjects being taught. There are so many possibilities to use technology with in the classroom. Often times within history/social studies it can be easy to get stuck in an era and the teacher would have a hard time fitting in the remaining material. (Roblyer and Doering p. 336) Fortunately, technology can aid in teaching students the most important information more quickly. For example instead of a teacher spending a day discussing hard to understand concepts like maybe the red scare they could watch a short clip about what it was. (Roblyer and Doering p. 346). Digital Storytelling is also a great way to help a student understand history better, it can also “show case their digital literacy” (Roblyer and Doering p. 340). Here is an example of a really good timeline program.
Advantages: the whole reason for using technology in classrooms is to engage the students and help them to be interested in the subjects being taught. There are so many possibilities to use technology with in the classroom. Often times within history/social studies it can be easy to get stuck in an era and the teacher would have a hard time fitting in the remaining material. (Roblyer and Doering p. 336) Fortunately, technology can aid in teaching students the most important information more quickly. For example instead of a teacher spending a day discussing hard to understand concepts like maybe the red scare they could watch a short clip about what it was. (Roblyer and Doering p. 346). Digital Storytelling is also a great way to help a student understand history better, it can also “show case their digital literacy” (Roblyer and Doering p. 340). Here is an example of a really good timeline program.
M6 #ED527UM nice website giving teachers ideas about using technology in the classroom. http://t.co/SBZimDQIiX
— Amanda Dison (@AmandaDison) November 12, 2013
Disadvantages: Some people believe that not all students will benefit from technology in the classroom. Kids with disabilities for example may not be able to all the technology that is required in classrooms today. (Roblyer and Doering p. 398). However, much technology has come out to assist kids with disabilities be successful in the classroom. Although chapter 15 discusses many different types of learning and physical disabilities that kids face, and it gives examples of technology that can aid these kids. (Roblyer and Doering p. 400-413). This website, however, will give a more detailed list of things that can be used to assist learners become successful.
I
personally think that although technology can be highly beneficial to students,
it can be overdone. It is important that technology doesn’t take away from the
teachers lesson, but instead enhances it.
I see the validity of your last point. We must choose to use technologies in the classroom that will enhance the educational experience, not deter from it. I do not think that we should always use technology for a time saving tool in every application as you suggest with watching a video vs. discussion. I think that discourse should still remain at the forefront of education.
ReplyDeleteHistory courses really can be advanced when technology is used to supplement the lecture. I can hardly even imagine having a history course where I couldn't just look up any image I want online.
ReplyDeleteUsing videos is also a really great idea. Integrating things like music from the era, interactive maps, and other things. Maybe one day we will have the technology to create virtual realities to teach history. The ability to tell digital stories is very exciting (Roblyer and Doerling 346)
I believe technology can be a great asset for history teachers and students. I’ve met so many students that talk about how boring history is and how they hate sitting through lectures. Technology can bring some life to an otherwise boring topic. Hearing a lecture about WWI and watching clips about it could be the difference between an active class and an inactive one. The teacher can utilize visual aid more to help keep the students interested in the topics. I must add that there also need to be a balance so that teachers won’t over utilize technology to the point that they are not interacting with the students.
ReplyDelete