Our Roles as Educators in the 21st Century

         Technology continues to shift our roles as educators as it brings more challenges to schools, teachers, and students.  With more and more technology being used around the world, education has to step it up.  Our students’ experiences with technology may begin in our schools, even at the elementary level, but many students already have encountered technology in various forms before they enter school.  Although many people are becoming more equipped with their own mobile technologies this doesn’t mean that all students will have the access they need to be proficient.  Schools must be willing and able to find the resources needed to give our students the technology experiences they need for the future.  Teachers must continue to learn about emerging technologies that can keep our students engaged in learning.  Technology can allow students to explore, learn, and practice new skills or ideas within our curriculums.  Students can communicate and collaborate with each other using technology as a connection to resources and people around the world. 

         Emerging technologies are going to continue to be topics of conversation in our schools.  Teachers must embrace these new ideas.  With proper training and by finding ways to incorporate more technology into our classrooms, the students will excel.  The more experiences we can offer our students using technology, the more successful they will be in the future.  

Game-based Learning - Choosing a Game

This week I was asked to find a game on my PC or hand held device. I found a great resource that I can use with my students. Although there were many options available to me, I chose one that my students would find valuable.


          I chose a game I found through my Droid. It is called Math Maniac. This game fits
21st century learning with its problem solving and quick thinking. Through my reading this week on game-based learning there was a focus on how gaming can create better problem-solvers. I agree with this idea and hope we can get educators to take game-based learning more seriously. Due to critical reviews of games in schools we will need to keep our minds open to the ideas and possibilities games can offer us.
          When I began browsing games on my Mac most of what I found was more scavenger hunts or mission games. Although I am sure I have some students who may be experts at these games I am not into that at all. I decided to look for something more educational that my students could benefit from. I decided to look through game options on my Droid and found Math Maniac.
          I thought since this looked like a basic math game of addition I could just start playing. Well, I was wrong. There were tips in the instruction on how to get more points by combining more numbers and using the same color of numbers while playing. I just thought I was adding. I wanted a game that would be appropriate for my students so once I learned how to score higher it was not challenging for me. My student will love it! They really enjoy puzzles, mind bender games, and anything that is a race of time is always popular.
          As I played this game with my family in and out of the room I felt distracted, much like some students may feel at times in school. Although I was able to finish a level while still responding to my family as needed I know some people, especially elementary aged children, may struggle to do so.
          This week has been eye opening learning about game-based learning. I know games can be fun and educational at the same time. I read about children who play games being able to filter what they need in a busy environment. This is definitely a skill that could be helpful to anyone in a school, a work environment, or even a family member trying to learn a new game on her Droid.

Game-based Learning

What is more exciting than games in school? Ask elementary aged students and hear their responses. Even though games receive some negative feedback from society, learning takes place in many forms. Games in the classroom that incorporate technology are a great way to get students involved and allow them to communicate in ways they feel most comfortable.

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Pencil Me In

Pencil Me In is a great book for anyone interested in technology.  It may be especially entertaining for classroom teachers.  Please read my reflection of this book.  

Book Reflection for Pencil Me In by John T. Spencer

         While I was reading this book it was easy to place myself right in it.  I have these uncomfortable feelings about using new technologies in my own classroom.  I thought Spencer really showed a true story of a teacher and staff that may think something sounds great but lack the time and/or ability to make it effective.  So many times it seems teachers are handed great new tools, books, activities without much explanation.  Without proper training and time to get somewhat comfortable with new programs, I don’t see teachers' attitudes towards new ideas changing. 

                                             

I loved how Spencer brought in uses of technologies by using names such as Ed Helper.  I also thought it was extremely creative to incorporate his ideas using the “i” such as itablets which made his ideas so modern.  His reference to pencils was humorous and kept me turning the pages. 

Due to many teachers lack of knowledge with technology I see our classrooms using more of project-based learning approach.  In my experience teachers have a few projects that they do with students every year.  The tools and activities don’t change as they should with our growing technology.  I believe students could benefit more from these projects with more up to date technology. 

                                   

         Today’s classrooms are what Spencer realizes near the end of his book.  When he is presenting to his own staff and beginning to understand why they are so resistant to his techno-self was the ah-ha for me.  This is where many schools are right now.  We all want the best for our students including the most up to date technology and resources.  But how do we get there as a community of learners?  Everyone has to be open to the new ideas and work together to share just like the sample school Spencer visited in the book.  It won’t be a fast process but with proper training and small steps I believe we can get there together.      

                                   

         I believe this book would really relate to many teachers and how they feel about technology in their own classrooms.  Although we (I) know where our world is going with technology, it is still intimidating for many people.  We (I) have to find ways to keep the teachers up to speed with technology so our students will be prepared for the technology of tomorrow.