Chapter 14: Unleashing Potential and Emerging Technology

Technology has come such a long way in the education field, and I believe it is a good thing! A problem that I see arising is that teachers are not getting the proper training on how to effectively use technology in the classroom. For example, there are many teachers, like the one in the book, who think using technology means students typing a paper in word and sending it to the teacher. Yes, that does save on paper, but there is so much more one can do with technology. Students are becoming the experts in technology and passing up their teachers. We need to use this power of theirs and use it to our advantage. Google is such an amazing resource to use in the classroom to help with collaboration. This year students in my class used google presentation for their big science fair presentation. We usually have boards that the students make to present their Scientific Method. Now, this usually ends up me doing a lot of the work because I am an organization freak and want it to look nice for the parents. This year I thought "enough is enough." This is the kid's work, not mine. It was like a light bulb went off and thought "google presentation" This worked out AMAZINGLY!! I brought the students to the computer lab about four times, and they were able to complete all their work in that time frame. I assigned each student their own individual slide they were responsible for. They were then able to go to the computer lab, pull up their presentations, and everyone could work at the same time. It was so cool to see students collaborating to make their science projects. They were able to incorporate videos and pictures. It took the work off my hands and put it in the hands of the students, which is ideally what all teachers want to happen in their classroom. Next year, third grade is getting their own chromebooks. I am so excited to research this summer on great ways to use the chromebook! There are an abundance of ideas to incorporate technology into the classroom that goes beyond turning a paper in on a word document. Many teachers are scared for this new shift in education, but as a young, very technology-oriented teacher I am beyond excited!