Today I was chatting with my friend who has just completed a course on the basic uses of computers in the classroom and she said something that started a long discussion. If her baby did not cry, well I would still be at the mall, with no intentions of going home. She said “I want to introduce blogging in the classroom, I wonder if I can use it in a Social Studies lesson?”
I remember briefly discussing this very same question during one of the ICT sessions and strange enough, I did some reading a few days ago on infusing technology in the curriculum. As teachers, we plan lessons daily and in doing so we try to choose the strategies, techniques and resources that will enhance our lessons and provide a greater understanding of the concepts being taught. We don’t do the reverse which is choose the strategy, technique and resources then sit and say “I wonder what lesson I can teach now”……. at least I hope not!
To infuse technology in the classroom we must first understand the goals and objectives of every lesson, be aware of our pedagogical context and critically analyse the technology that we want to use. Critical analysis involves basic questioning, for example:
I remember briefly discussing this very same question during one of the ICT sessions and strange enough, I did some reading a few days ago on infusing technology in the curriculum. As teachers, we plan lessons daily and in doing so we try to choose the strategies, techniques and resources that will enhance our lessons and provide a greater understanding of the concepts being taught. We don’t do the reverse which is choose the strategy, technique and resources then sit and say “I wonder what lesson I can teach now”……. at least I hope not!
To infuse technology in the classroom we must first understand the goals and objectives of every lesson, be aware of our pedagogical context and critically analyse the technology that we want to use. Critical analysis involves basic questioning, for example:
- would the wiki enhance writing skills?
- will my objectives be met by using the wiki ?
- will it be worthwhile to use the wiki?
If the answers to these questions are positive then the wiki is the way to go. You see, we cannot infuse technology in our lessons because we are just fond of it but rather we use technology only because it can provide a deeper understanding of concepts for our children. If the technology we are using is stifling learning then we are moving in the wrong direction!!
You are absolutely right Shasta! In addition, knowing the content of the subject area we are teaching should also guide our choice of technological tools and activities.
ReplyDeleteWe must also be mindful that in trying to infuse the technology that we are not going to perpetuate our traditional teaching practices via another medium for example using a wiki page to get pupils to fill in the blanks or complete a worksheet.As educators who are really concerned about getting students engaged and excited about learning, the technological tools and activities we choose must allow our pupils to be involved in meaningful learning. They shoud be actively engaged in learning.
You have definitely “hit the nail on the head.” It is so important that we incorporate these new technologies not only to enhance our instructions, but to ensure that our pupils have authentic learning experiences. We must also be aware of the motivational aspects of our lessons since we don't want them simply engaging in the lesson just for the fun of it, but rather each lesson should act as a spring board to deepen our charges interest in becoming life -long learners.
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