Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Unit 1 Blog Reflection


                Module 1 of Writing for Non-Print Media was all about how various digital tools can be utilized inside the classroom. All the readings addressed the fact that using technology in teaching will engage the students. Some of these new forms of media include Quizlet, Schoology, Cel.ly, and even Twitter. Though there are still teachers who don’t want to incorporate it in their lessons, technology is becoming extremely prevalent in education. Instead of running from it, we should embrace it.

                Digital media provides many benefits to both students and teachers. For one, the idea of just-in-time learning means accessing information needed to complete a task immediately. The most common example of this would probably be a Google search, which students use all the time. This method of learning teaches students how to ask good questions in order to produce the answers they’re looking for. Technology also allows for customization. According to The Technology Enthusiasts’ Argument, customization can have a positive impact in special education as well. The Individualized Education Plan is created by teachers, but could be further customized by technology. Interaction is increased by digital tools, such as online tutors. When students are given direct feedback, they can quickly gauge if they’re doing something correctly. If they aren’t, they can immediately find the problem and fix it.

                If teachers aren’t exposing students to different media outlets, they’ll potentially fall behind once they graduate. The Technology Enthusiasts’ Argument also claims, “No one will be able to solve complex problems or think effectively in the coming world without using digital technologies.” Technology is used in just about any field, so students would have an advantage if they were familiar with it.

                When it comes to technology, I think the most important thing is that it’s used effectively. So many times as student, I would be assigned digital projects. By the time it was due, sometimes I had learned more about the technology than the actual content itself. In that case, digital tools hindered my knowledge instead of advancing it. Technology must be accompanied by other factors in order to be helpful in classrooms. Create Compose Connect highlights important aspects of digital media in learning such as a strong vision, specific plan, strong infrastructure, supportive professional development, and thoughtful evaluation. If all these are put into effect, technology will further students’ understanding of the material.

                As a future teacher, I plan to use digital tools when applicable in my lessons. I really liked the idea we talked about in class of using a hashtag on Twitter. If Twitter is still popular by the time I’m a teacher, that’s definitely something I’d look into. I would like to continue to discover new media outlets that would engage and benefit students.

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