Lesson 1: A Review of Educational Technology 2

Jean C. Cotamora, BSED General Science 4

Author

This encompasses EdTech

CONTENT: 

     Educational Technology 1 has open the way for students/learners to get to know more the technological tools that can aid them in their learning as well as the teachers in their teaching. Specifically, educational technology 1 has made it clear to the students (to us, to me specifically) the real meaning of technology. There was an emphasis that technology in education is not always an advantage because it has its major disadvantages too, like when it is not used appropriately would to damages. The role of educational technology has been made clear and well-defended - in this fast changing world, teachers has to cope with what’s new and what’s in. Teachers must become digital teachers to improve their ways and means of teaching. The systematic approach was also introduced which says that it should start with defining objectives, then choosing of appropriate methods, follows choosing of appropriate experiences, then selecting of materials and equipment, assigning personnel role, implementing instruction, evaluate outcomes, and lastly refining the process. The above said approach ensures that there is an orderly relationship and interaction of human, technical and environmental sources to fulfill the goals. 

Teachers has to cope with what’s new and what’s in

The cone of experiences has also been tackled which shows the degree of experiences that the students can experience in educational technology which is arranged based on abstraction not on its difficulty. It was also emphasized in EdTech 1 the using and evaluating of instructional materials – it should follow the guideline “PPPF” (Prepare your Self, Prepare your students, Present the material, and Follow up). There was an emphasis on direct, purposeful experience as the firsthand experiences that serve as the foundation of learning. It is also useful to use contrived experiences if the real scenario is not available. Guidelines in demonstrating were also elaborated. Importance of field trips, power of film, video and TV in classroom has been elucidated; these are helpful tools in instruction (say, showing how mitosis happens in video presentation).   

Students make projects;
a proof of learning

     EdTech 1 has emphasized the used of visual symbols in teaching which can help summarize lessons. There was also a notion of maximizing the use of overhead projector and chalkboard if in case sophisticated technology is not available in the school. Project-based learning:  its meaning and as a strategy has also been elaborated – it is important that the teachers of the 21st century, must determine the knowledge and ability of students through projects. Guidelines in assessing students’ learning in a constructivist technology-supported classroom have also been elaborated – guidelines are given. Lastly, the role of educational media center has been explained thereby providing information on how student makes most of the center and learn a lot.

EXPERIENCE

Pic. 1. Photo-output through
Adobe Photoshop

       In EdTech 1, we did not only have learned so much from the textbook but we have also learned how to use several softwares. Our presentation skill was enhanced as well as our practical skills. We learned how to use software such as Adobe Photoshop as Cyberlink Powerdirector. We were made to submit an edited picture (see pic. 1) and a movie as an output.

Pic. 2. Comic Strip made through Toondo.com

        We were also made to make our own rubrics using Rubistar4teachers.org and our own Comic strip using Toondoo.com (see pic. 2). We also reported topics using different graphic organizers. We get to have online classes through Edmodo.com. We learned so many things which we can use in our teachings later. 

REFLECTION

I have come to the realization that it in this fast changing world, it is not enough that you only have the principles to become an effective teacher but you should also have the practical skills needed in the 21st century. You must never stop learning instead, cope up and adapt to the changes. One must really embrace new methods in teaching with the association of technology to better cater the needs of the 21st century students. One must involve technology (if available) and make use of it in the most productive and generous manner possible and not just store it in cabinets where dust and time make it obsolete. One must never overlook the disadvantages of technology because after all technology is here to ease our lives. 

However, I have also come to the realization that there should also be limit in using technology in education because once it is not is not used properly, it becomes a disadvantage. Technology is not the substitute of a teacher, it is just an aid. No matter how good that a certain innovation is, still nothing replaces a teacher. 

APPLICATION

With the advent of technology,
learners can learn on their own.

As a future teacher I will involve technology in my teaching. I will be open to the new teaching strategies and be willing also to learn how to use new devices and gadgets and their encompassing applications and services for me to become a better 21st century teacher. I will make use of what is available even if it’s not what is latest. I will involve my students in my teaching not just make them mere audiences and hearers. I will maximize their skills by requiring them to submit learning outputs and by that I will know that they really have learned. I will deviate (as much as possible) to the traditional way of teaching, instead, I will apply my learning in Edtech 1 (and of course 2) to make me a better and effective teacher.