Rodriguez Journal Post # 3

How does computer technology promote unique,powerful, and transformative learning for students and teachers?

There are all sorts of technology that promotes leaning for both students and teachers. Technology has changed the dynamics of the classroom and how students learn during and after school.  Teachers and students have the ability to use computer search engines, social media, electronic encyclopedias, and online databases. (Edwards,Maloy,Verock-O’Longhlin, Woolf, 2013) 

Information is at every student and teachers fingertips but now there is a new requirement about the quality of the information they acquired online.  Not all the information online is accurate or worthy.

• Accessing Information:  Activities that are used to find information.
• Assessing Information:  Determining the validity and efficacy of the information obtained.

               

Students that are information literate have the ability to:

           Locate creditable sources of information
          Organized the information they gather
           Identify the information that will apply to the subject or                    research

Reciprocal teaching is a technique that promotes student reading comprehension.  The teachers read web material during class and allow the students to discuss meaning for words and the understanding of the topic they have read.

Digital and Media Literacy require a combination of technical, cognitive, and social media skills. Digital media learning promotes visual learning that stimulates images versus words.

Teachers use a range of approached to digital media technology some examples our text give us are:

               Online research databases
               Classroom websites that involve students in design and                      maintenance
               Bookmarking and social bookmarking

Visual Learning

Visual learning with the use of computers allows teachers the freedom to assess and develop their student’s critical thinking skills.  Teachers are required to deliver curriculum content to students. However, they have the opportunity to choose how they are going to engage the students.

Communicating and Collaborating

New patterns are embarked upon once technology is introduced to collaborative learning.   During the collaborative learning process students work together to achieve  a common goal or task.  Teachers have the chance to use student’s interest spark in technology to promote the delivery of the days lesson.

Technologies that promote communication and collaboration among students and teachers are:
                 Collaborative digital storytelling
                 Online posters and website publishing
                 Social networks and social media

Tech Tools

Below is a link to a variety of applications that enhance student collaborations and technology

 http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2012/09/5-apps-that-encourage-social-play-and-collaboration.html  

Let’s Recap!

Computer technologies make learning interesting both in and out if class.  Students and teachers have the chance to make the best of their time in the classroom.  In starts with the teachers approach to technology and how they incorporate it into the student’s educational experience.  Students are more apt to become actively engaged in the learning process when technology is their way of travel. The more technology students are exposed to the better prepared they will be for the workforce and everyday life.

Resource:

Edwards,S.A. Maloy,R.W. Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E.,Woolf, B.P. Transforming Learning with New   Technology. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River,N.J., Person, 2011. (Textbook title should be italicized.)