Comprehensive Classroom Technology Plan
Kayla Neatherlin
Grand Canyon University
EDU-225
07/05/2015
Comprehensive Classroom Technology Plan
Introduction
Society is becoming more reliant upon technology every day. Technology is found in hospitals, banks, grocery stores, homes, and schools across the nation. As technology becomes more prevalent in the classroom, teachers need to learn how to use it effectively. Differentiating instruction, facilitating learning, enhancing communication, and facilitating instruction are all appropriate ways to use technology in the classroom (Standards for Teachers). Once these types of technology are mastered, student performance, creativity, and thirst for knowledge should begin to increase.
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Section Two: Communications Plan
Introduction
No matter where one lives or what job is held, one thing remains necessary for success to occur, communication. Effective communication enables bosses to communicate with employees, family and friends to talk with one another, and teachers to communicate with students and parents. It is this communication that lays the ground work for success in any situation. Today, many people rely on various forms of technology to communicate with one another. The advancements in technology make sending out important reminders, cute pictures, or a simple life update quick and efficient. It is no different in the world of education. Teachers must learn how to use effective technology communication tools such as class websites, social media, e-mail, and text alerts to communicate quickly and effectively with both parents and students while preserving the safety and security of students working online.
Technology to Enhance Communication
Class Websites: Class websites are a great communication tool that allows the teacher to communicate with parents, students, and the global community at large. These websites can be used to communicate basic information, such as the teacher’s background and classroom policies (Dunn, 2011, pg. 60-62). Different levels of complexity allow teachers to decide the purpose of the website and how much time needed
Teachers can use technology within the classroom to assist with providing instructional guidance and education to students. However, the use of technology in the classroom has both its advantages and
Technology in the classroom is important for teachers, parents, and students alike, because technology use has become a necessary skill for survival in today’s vastly expanding technology driven global economy. Research has shown an increase in student’s success rates when exposed to technology in the classroom. Also technology has opened lines of communication between educators and parents to keep students on track, and help teachers educate better.
Deliberating on technology in the classroom took me back to my days in school when the most technology shared at the time included; stereo sets, VHS/Betamax video players, mega phones, electric typewriters, litmus test strips, manual thermometers (that come in contact with body excrements like spit) as well as electric stove. However, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Today, according to the Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Volume 41, Issue 6, “Vacuum and thin film technologies are critical to advanced manufacturing industries” (p 359). Additionally, utilizing endowment number - DUE #14004080 from the National Science Foundation, the
Student web sites can offer students access to class assignments and notes that were taken in class. Teachers can also post questions to their students to encourage students to continue thinking about the material being taught. Student web sites can also be used to post hyper links that will lead the student to information pertaining to the class material.
Technology is becoming increasingly decentralized allowing for information to be accessed anywhere at anytime. Computer and communication technologies are an increasingly ubiquitous part of instruction across many disciplines necessitating a more flexible and mobile deployment
After understanding the most prominent form of digital interaction between teachers and students, I was left with questions about the forms of communication that instructors use to communicate with their students face-to-face. To fill this gap, I conducted an
uses some form of technology. It is important for students to learn how to use technology
During your first year of teaching, the most important people you will have to communicate with are your students. Children of this generation are very technology literate and by using technology in the classroom to communicate with them is a great way to get on their level. One way I plan on doing this is by allowing each student to develop their own website. On the students’ websites they can post their homework, class projects, artwork, and some writing samples. Since most parents work, this gives them the opportunity to go on to their child’s website and see their child’s work such as pictures and samples of class work (Greenspan 2002).
Teachers can use technology to teach various subjects and to find out more information on how to present a topic in a new and exciting way. Teachers can also allow students to use technology to broaden their learning experiences tremendously.
Technology is everywhere, it is involved in almost every part of our culture. It affects how we live, work, play, and most importantly learn. With technology being such a fundamental part of our lives and growing each day, it only makes sense that schools incorporate technology in the classrooms. Even though many people support the use of technology in schools, there are those that have concerns about the effectiveness of technology and whether or not it undermines education to solely prepare students for the workforce. Despite the concerns, technology is being integrated with classroom lessons daily, and proving how beneficial it is for student success.
The additions of video chatting, Smartboards, and computers have been very valuable to the field of education. Smartboards have allowed students to interact with the lesson they are being taught. Additionally, video chatting has revolutionized the way students from different areas communicate. Last, but certainly not least, computers have changed the way people write and research material. As the author stated in the article “ [Programs like these]…demonstrate the potential that technology has to make education more effective, engaging, and relevant” (Bennetts). Teachers and students will forever be grateful for the advent and use of these devices.
It is crucial that students are not just being educated in only one way. Each child is different; as a result, learning styles should be versatile and open to new strategies. By learning to use technology correctly, teachers are preparing themselves, and the students for the future by developing certain skills that will be essential in the 21st century. Besides developing the students’ technology skills, students will
A leader must first of all be able to model the techniques and processes that they want their teachers to employ with the students. For this reason leaders should use an effective board spectrum of educational tools to help teachers reach students of the 21st century. One of the great tools being used today is the increase in the amount of technology used in the classroom. From iPad to chromo books to cellphones teachers are using these forms of technology to enhance and deliver grade level curriculum (Korach, Agans 2011 216-233).
One method that can be used to create and develop technology-based activities in the classroom is to create a class blog or website (Teach Hub). This can allow the teacher to post tips, tricks, lessons and other handy information for students from time to time. Students can periodically check this blog and become familiar with using this form of technology. They would be able to develop confidence when accessing information online and using the Internet as a learning tool. Moreover, such a blog/ wiki can help the teacher create online discussions where students can
Education is one of the most important professions in the working world. Technology has done many things for us in today’s society especially for education and schools. Technology in the school system has impacted the students and teachers in many positive ways, including virtual field trips, testing tips, teacher resources, class web sites, and lesson plans. With computer use in our schools, we have access to many different sources and various types of learning.