I can remember back to high school people would tell me that the future is technology. My first impression of this was that textbooks would be replaced with online copies, schoolwork would be completed digitally, and platforms such as Khan Academy would be the new form of “teachers”. What I did not realize until I took this course was that technology is not replacing learning methods, instead, it is enhancing them. Through the projects I completed in my EDT349 class, I have learned multiple ways to adapt, alter, and augment learning experiences within a classroom all through the use of technological platforms and services. One of my biggest takeaways from his course is that utilizing technology in a classroom calls for a more interactive environment, rather than a more independent classroom. 

 

Similar to what I stated earlier, I have never exactly had a positive experience with technology in the classrooms I learned or taught in. Most of the time my teacher would use tech as an independent assignment task, instructing us to asynchronously complete an online module. In the classrooms I have had the opportunity to complete my field experiences in, although each student had a personal device, the technology used in the class was displayed through a PowerPoint or independent busy work module or a tool for research. After learning what capabilities a device consisted of such as interactive learning, live assessment purposes, 3-dimensional model demonstrations, and personalized altered educational platforms it was like a whole new world was opened to future educators. 

 

I strongly believe that technology in classrooms is a crucial part of the learning experience. My professor made a strong point in class when he said, “by not allowing students to use electronics in class because they’re a distraction, how are we supposed to expect them NOT to be distracted by them in the real world? Your phone, tablet, computer… whatever you have is a tool that will be used by you every day for the rest of your life. Why not let the students learn how to use them to their best advantage?”. This statement really brought to my attention the importance of not only teaching children about technology, but teaching them how to manipulate, work, and utilize it to the greatest extent. I look forward to implementing this mindset in my future classrooms and not only teaching the students new tricks and accessibilities but also learning with them side-by-side.