Technology, what it means to me

The latest commercials that talk about staying one step ahead with fast 3G or 4G network and apps, did not mean much to me. Smart phones were a luxury not a necessity. After taking the course Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society, my view point has changed about this matter. Technology is essential in survival of the 21st century. Students have to research and produce collaboratively in a timely matter in order to succeed (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, n.d.) and technology makes this possible and lets students ‘stay one step ahead.’ It is definitely a necessity for this generation’s students.

This course also challenged my methods of implementing technology into the classroom. Dr. Thornburg says that many teachers use technology to do things differently rather than doing different things (Laureate, 2008). Without implementing technology in a way that allows students to learn and represent what they have learned collaboratively, schools are failing to showcase the true power of technology. Teaching students to become critical literacy consumers and use blogs, wikis, podcast to express and exchange their learning will enhance students’ chances to ‘stay one step ahead’ in the 21st century (Richardson, 2009).

My friend asked me a week ago, “so, when will you be done with school.” I bluntly said, “never.” The society is changing rapidly and the requirements for our students are changing rapidly as well. I need to be constantly updating myself with new studies and tools to teach my students accordingly. Taking this course has proved the benefits of continuous education. I will keep myself updated by attending workshops, taking educational courses, and continuing on educational blogging. Also, to become the hip teacher that can motivate students with their interest, communicating with my students will be my priority.

Now that I have realized the importance of technology and learned how to properly incorporative technology within the curriculum, I would like to transform that knowledge to practice. I would like to establish an out of school communication method for parents and students by creating a blog that students and parents will be willing to use and maintain. In order to do this the blog will have valuable information for both students and parents. Also, students will have responsibilities maintaining the blog so they will feel ownership and feel more motivated to participate. Frequently, the blog will have questions that will start a meaningful conversation for students, parents, or both. Another goal is to establish communication nationally. Our students will face global competition in their work force. Therefore, it is important for students to be aware of the other nations and cultures outside of their own. I was raised in Korea and went to a foreign language high school. I will use this advantage to create a network for my students where they can develop a friendship, work together on projects, and have virtual field trips. I have maintained a good relationship with my past teachers in my foreign language high school.

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Program number 1. Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society [Motion Picture]. The emergence of educational technology. Baltimore.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/downloads/P21_Report.pdf

Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.