I found this week in EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology to
be very intriguing. The readings, videos, and the assignment all made me
rethink my entire teaching method. I am very concerned now about giving a “one
size fits all” test to my students. This method of testing seems unfair and
unjust to those students who cannot express their knowledge using the
traditional pen and paper method. Learning to creating project-based lessons
that harness the student’s “digital smarts” and includes the assessment seems to
be the way to go. Since every student
learns differently, it only makes sense that every student should also test
differently.
This week has opened my eyes to a better understanding of my
students. Having to find learning activities that focus on a specific group of
learners was amazing. I have attended professional development workshops on
differentiation, but it never hit home until this week when I was forced to do
so. I thought I was doing a good job at this in my classroom. However, after
looking back at this week’s activities, I am not so sure anymore.
With only one classroom computer, one laptop, and one
document camera in my classroom, integrating technology into my lessons will be
a challenge. I just have to remember
what Pitler states about technology integration: “Technology can play a unique
and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration,
providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate
even if they are not working fact to face. It can help us realize the hope of
schools as places that serve students anytime, anywhere and facilitate their
growth into lifelong learners” (Pitler, 2007, p 140).
Reference
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E.,
Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development, 139-154.
No comments:
Post a Comment