Assignment #1: Technology Literacy Paper

     I read an article that fully supports exactly what this class is all about: understanding how to integrate technology into teaching to connect with the students further. This article was called “How Do You Leverage the Latest Technologies, including Web 2.0 Tools, in Your Classroom?” and the author described ten characteristics that this generation of students have and how these characteristics can be applied to the classroom.

     The bulk of the article described these ten characteristics of the “Net Generation”, the generation of students today who obtained their name from their access and use of technology. Being a part of this generation myself made it easy to see how these characteristics are valid and abundant. They range from “relying on search engines for information” and “interested in multimedia” to “prefers typing to handwriting” and “multitasks”. Knowing the ways a student learns and lives is important for a teacher to know how to identify with the students’ culture and consequently their academic world. This article is a great resource because it specifically identifies programs and tools to use to connect to each of the characteristics this “Net Generation” of students has.

     I had one problem while reading this article however. Under the characteristic “multitasking” the author suggests, “permitting students to multitask in class; they can listen to you, type, listen to music, play an online game, and send an email or text all at the same time”. I do not think that this would be productive at all. It would be a huge distraction to the individual student and those around him/her. Additionally, even though the student participates in multitasking throughout the day, it would be important to learn to focus his/her attention and glean from one source and one source only. I heard casually from another student that there was a study done at an Ivy League school that showed students’ IQ drop when a new “task” was added to a test-taking environment. I wonder if the majority of the research supports this or what the article’s author seems to recommend.

     On the other hand I agree with the support of typing in the classroom—especially for note taking. Last year one of my professors didn’t allow us to use our computers to take notes and it was really frustrating. For me, it was easier to organize my ideas on the computer versus pen and paper. I can understand that it could be an issue of multitasking if the students are doing other things than note taking. Nonetheless, this is the world we have grown up in.

     I gained a lot of information from this article even though the intended audience was older teachers who weren’t a part of the “Net Generation”. Since I am part of this generation I have a greater understanding of the student characteristics—because they are mine. One important thing I will need to take to my future classroom, however, is not to throw technology out there and assume it will help students connect—I must be intentional about integrating and keeping the importance of the content in place.

Citation:

Berk, Ronald A. "How Do You Leverage the Latest Technologies, including Web 2.0

Tools, in Your Classroom?." International Journal of Technology in Teaching & Learning 6.1 (2010): 1-13. Education Research Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 Oct. 2010.

NETS Goals

NETS for Teachers:

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

This standard is important for teachers because it ensures them a knowledge base to teach off of. We must do our research as to what kind of tools our students connect with and are familiar with. Also, as a teacher I don’t want to “throw technology” at my student like it mentioned in the above article. I want to know how to use the right kind of tools in the right kind of way with the right kind of content. Teachers modeling technology integration in the class is important for students because their horizons are expanded—“oh I can use the computer for more than just online games!” It is also extremely important, especially in today’s age, to know how to evaluate and question information found through technology. Modeling can help students know specific ways to do this.

Three ways I will work on this standard this semester are:

1. Learn how to use the technology we study and how to apply it to teaching.

I will pay attention and practice how to use the tools we are learning about—constantly thinking about how they can be used to deliver content.

2. Research other pieces of technology students are using that could be integrated.
3. Never think that I have learned it all

I don’t ever want to think that I know everything about a tool of teaching or device of delivery—because things are always changing and it is important to stay current and connected with my students.

NETS for Students:

2. Communication and Collaboration

This standard is important to students because it literally grows their perception of the world and those in it. Knowing how to interact with people is an essential life lesson and something that is needed anywhere else a student might go. Technology has made this connection broader and easier. Students today could have access to chatting with a student in India or discussing a book with a class in Guatemala. Not only does this stimulate peer relationships but it also develops an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and people.

Two assignments/projects for students to meet this standard are:

1. After studying Brazil culture and history the teacher could set up a Skype video feed from a Brazil classroom so students could talk and become aware of the differences in order to appreciate them. Teachers could require each student to write one question to ask a student on the other end.
2. Students could be assigned a math topic in which they must research and present in small groups. With only one computer per group, students will have to divide the work evenly and plan to have each participant working on the computer at some point.