One of the most important reasons to incorporate technology into the classroom is because that is where our world has found itself today. Students have electronics from computers, television, kindles, phones, and gaming councils all right at home. At a very young age, they are learning to operate these technologies and rely on them daily. To benefit students, meet their potential, and make them comfortable with learning, technology is a must in the classroom. Another reason technology is so important is because it enforces frequent interaction. Most students love electronics and find it more engaging than writing things down on paper or listening to a lecture. Age groups like my future students, kindergarten through fifth grade, especially need the extra engagement tools. At this stage in life, the students are starting to learn how to interact, learn, and be away from home. By incorporating technology, teachers can actively bring their students to their maximum potential with the material given by supplying something that will entertain them as well as make them feel comfortable.
There are many benefits to using technology in my classroom. For example, technology can keep students at their own pace. All students learn differently and understand subjects better than others. Technology allows students to learn and look ahead if they are fully understanding the material and need to move on. Also, it benefits those who need more time to grasp the concept by allowing them to slow down to their rate and learn how they prefer to. Next, technology is a great resource in the classroom because it is proven to help students engage. School is built off of routines. The same repetitive schedule day in and day out. For students, it is so hard to stay interested in something that repeats itself daily—we as adults even experience this tired, boring feeling every so often. Therefore, technology makes it easier to change things up and allows students to interact with each other, games, and even the instructor. Technology also acts as a greater, more efficient way to keep frequent interaction with the students and send them feedback as soon as possible. Grading paper copies of homework or tests can be unorganized and time-consuming. Technology offers a simpler, more efficient way to quiz those students on their obtained knowledge while getting their results back to them quicker. Finally, students are given the freedom to think nonlinearly. By this, I mean students do not have to follow the step-by-step progression of the lesson. By using things such as multimedia projects, students can learn exactly how they want to. Some students may be visual learners, while some may be kinesthetic learners. Every student is different and by bringing technology into the classroom, every student is given an equal chance to express themselves the way they desire.
To enforce ethical technology in my classroom, I plan to stress the importance of being a good digital citizen. First, I would address cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place through technology that we use every day. It is much easier to bully behind a screen because you cannot see the person you are hurting. I will ask students to define what it means and help them understand the importance and consequences of the actions. Then, getting the students to relate to the topic would be my next approach. Treating people how you want to be treated is the golden rule. Second, copywriting. Copywriting is an illegal act of claiming someone else’s work as your own. There are even bigger consequences for these actions and I plan to elaborate on them. As an early childhood educator, I do not strive to scare my students for we will not be writing six-page essays as opposed to high school students. However, it is still important to plant the concept in their minds at a young age. Finally, safe use of the internet. As an educator, it is my job to prepare my students to learn and use the digital world safely. For example, students should learn how to safely use social media, educational sources, or game sites. For my age group specifically, parental guidance is very important. Posting the wrong thing online can result in unnecessary consequences or even jeopardy of future opportunities.
There are many ways to differentiate technology to satisfy all different learners and their needs. For example, one of the second graders may benefit better from audio rather than visual. Therefore, reading a book to themselves can be difficult. To enhance their experience, technologies such as audiobooks through recorders or online can be extremely beneficial. Other students may have ADHD or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This disorder is often noticed at an extremely young age; like the ones I will be teaching. Students cannot physically sit still and stay engaged in a regular classroom setting. To help these students reach their potential, they may need more exercise, entertainment, or attention than the average child. Students can use multimedia projects to work at their own pace and to their liking instead of sitting quietly in a chair listening to a teaching lecture. Lastly, engaging technologies and games such as Kahoot can help highly physical learners. By using competition and strategy, students will interact with accessible materials and tools online. Growing up, I was a physical learner. I would wiggle out of my chair if I had to sit and listen too long. I love to use my hands and learn on my own. Sadly, I had many teachers that enjoyed lectures way too much. In the classroom, I will strive to meet every child’s needs and understand their needs in and out of school. I hope to be the teacher I never had and change many little lives forever.
The foundation of my teaching beliefs and techniques stand upon the very idea that every student is unique in their own way. In my classroom, I abolish the negativity placed upon being different and the misconception that this is a barrier to learning. I implement this new generation of learning by priding students in their differences. My students understand and embrace the idea that their abilities bring something new and powerful to the table. It is my responsibility to find the differences and interests of each of my students by creating deep and thoughtful relationships with each of them. By doing so, each student will know they are seen and heard in my classroom. Then, I find a way to allow those differences to bring out the best in each of them. Securing the acceptance of being different in my classroom will allow my students to know they do not have to hide. I believe my students will care more about their own success if they truly understand how much they are cared about. I make sure all of my students along with their desires, talents, and differences are not only acknowledged but appreciated. By creating a diverse learning environment, my students can relate to the content and find a purpose in their learning. This includes appealing to all students' interests and unique abilities thus creating a sense of intrinsic motivation. Students will learn an endless amount through the years in school, but their education begins with what they retain. Self-motivation results in self-discovery and personal pride. The idea of unique students comes with identifying learning styles, implementing creative and adaptive instruction, and enhancing students’ learning experiences by making them relevant to their lives. My curriculum is tailored to each student in order to not only bring out their strengths but make their education as engaging and meaningful as possible. Once my students master their strengths, they will begin to share ideas and take risks. I learn alongside my students as I incorporate their needs into my curriculum which will include active, hands-on, individual, group, and differentiated learning experiences. I will learn more about my students every single day in an effort to make their education the best and most beneficial experience possible. When students are allowed to use their uniqueness to their advantage is when a true, rewarding learning experience begins