Digital Blog Post #B

Technology has had such a powerful influence in out 21st century. It's no surprise that it continues to grow and do what many used to think of as 'the impossible'. A great concept for students to learn is by integrating technology in the learning process  to expand on their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Instead of reading material through pages of books students can now use computers, tablets and now apps on their own phones. (Maloy et al., 2013, p. 52) Student are able to do more on computers than with pencil and paper. Cutting down on items that they have to carry plus having the mobility of the material is great. There are educational games and apps such as Rosetta Stone that help to teach language, while others teach history, and even math. The more students use technology for these things the more engaged they will become.

Another concept is digital, media and visual literacy. Almost any type of information can be found online or through some type of media. Instead of students just looking at textbooks they can view so many things through an array of digital technologies, educational software programs, online websites, graphing calculators, etc. Teachers are able to teach by showing students how photos, videos, graphs and charts can be used in different areas of learning. (Maloy et al., 2013, p. 55) Most students find visual learning pretty straightforward. Taking in what they see, while reflecting and thinking about it they come up with their own personal opinions and solutions. As a visual learner myself I love being able to have a visual of what I am learning. It breaks down or even gives summaries of concepts making it easier to understand.

Communicative and collaborative projects/assignments are wonderful ways for students to learn. Add technology to the mix and the possibilities are endless. Students working together is a great way for them to learn and grow socially as well as educationally. By using social media and other online websites or games even to keep students interested in what they learn and also working together. The time for students to sit quietly in their seats and copy notes has passed. In most classes today students are engaging with on another working in small groups going in depth about concepts of their learning material whether it be in language arts, history, etc. (Meloy et al., 2013, p. 59) No matter the subject students seem to enjoy the interaction and collaboration with on another vs. the whole class to the teacher. There's no pressure or intimidation coming from students as there may be when answering questions from the teacher, making the environment more comfortable for students.  

These are only a few concepts that can change the way students learn using technology. As I have always thought one sole concept just isn't enough. There needs to be a combination of ways for students to learn allowing a deeper meaning and understanding of educational material.  

Resources:

Best educational apps for high school students. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/29/best-educational-apps-for-high-school-students/

Collaborative Classroom Technology: Naturally SMART. (n.d.). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK8InwlWkYg

Drapal, J. (n.d.). The difference by Jmdrapal - ToonDoo - World's fastest way to create cartoons! Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=9710123 

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.