What Role Do I see Technology Playing in My Classroom?

Technology continues to redefine the ways in which teaching and learning occur in the classroom. In my own classroom, I hope to infuse technology into my pedagogy and practice in ways that enhance the educational experience and scaffold the learning of my students.

 

On a basic level, I hope to use an interactive whiteboard as a multipurpose learning tool that provides immeasurable opportunities for efficient and engaged student learning. I also aim to incorporate technologies such as e-books, headphones and voice recorders within reading and language centers so as to enhance the students’ independent learning experience. Appropriately-configured tablets and iPads  will also enable students to conduct supplementary, independent research, play educational games, and digitally collaborate with other students, as warranted.

 

I further intend to incorporate technologies that work to extend the learning experience beyond the walls of the classroom. Online sites like Papyrus allow children to create an e-book both independently and/or as a group activity to showcase the collective work of the classroom. This tool also enables children to reflect on their product and share it with their family and friends.

 

Another interesting example of technology infusion is outlined in the article, “Artistic technology integration: Stories from primary and elementary classrooms” by by Barbara Steckel, Valerie Harlow Shinas and Leah Van Vaerenwyck. Here, students use blogging centers during their literacy block to learn how to post personal responses to reading selections in an online classroom blog. According to the article, the children were found to be enthusiastic about having been given an authentic, personalized purpose for their writing, as well as an opportunity to write for real audiences. It also states that students were quick to learn how to spell and use the keyboard so that they could communicate with their peers.

 

While there are many ways to integrate technology into an elementary classroom, I recognize that further exploration and reflection will be needed in order to move beyond my thinking as a pre-service teacher to that of a skilled educational professional. To this end, I intend to familiarize myself with TPACK and SAMR models, and reflect on ways to effectively meet the benchmarks outlined in the ISTE Standards for both Students and Teachers, as well as Alberta’s Learning and Technology Policy Framework.

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References:

Steckel, B., Shinas, V.H., & Van Vaerenewyck L. (2015). Artistic technology integration: Stories from primary and elementary classrooms, Reading Teacher, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 41-49.