Technology - could be just about anything. But when I think about technology I mainly focus on modern day technology such as computers, smart boards, projectors, the internet and so on. But since there are many other forms of technology, such as pen and paper, scissors, colors, chalkboard, whiteboard and so on there are plenty of ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.
As a kid remember always enjoying being able to write on the chalkboard. I felt as though I had something important to do and that I was involved in the lesson. If I can remember that from when I was in grade school then it must have some sort of significant value to it. So in order to get students involved and participating within a training or classroom I, as the instructor, but incorporate technology (like the chalkboard).
There are many different ways in which I could do this. Many students from class demonstrated the positive effects of clickers. Clickers provide an instructor the ability to poll the class to initiate discussion. I like this idea because it gives the students a sense of privacy to participate. Their name isn't on the board, and they aren't the one raising their own hand, they are simply clicking a button. I think this allows them to feel safe to participate because if they get it wrong who will know? Then from there discussion can arise and teaching moments can happen.
I also like the idea of using the internet as a way to involve students from all around the U.S. or the globe. Maybe not even students but guest speakers. When a speaker enters the classroom they usually have something else to bring to the table. So if a teacher could have several different guest speakers come in virtually through skype or whatever it may be the students may have a more broad look on the subject.
On top of modern technology I think using the good old fashion technology of pens, paper and colors is great. When there are tactile objects creativity can flow. As a trainer I will not only use modern technology but also the ones we consider old or not even technology any more.
I want to suggest the importance of using different types of technology for different lessons. For example, the clickers, skype and colors aren't always going to work for every lesson. So for each lesson I prepare I must decide on what will bring about the most discussion, what will work with the content and what will benefit the class.
Challenge - Use different technology on each lesson.
Remember to also do a post on which technology you taught to us for 'technology day' and what you learned.
ReplyDeleteI like how you are ending some of these posts with a personal challenge. It tells me (even more than I already knew) that you are motivated to make yourself the best you can be.