Integrating Technology and Creating Change as Teacher Leaders

           As I have continued in school I have definitely seen the amount of technology in classes increasing. From what’s in the classroom itself, like computers to smart boards to what we, as students are able to use; from computers to our own cell phones – it is definitely taking over. Mostly every classroom today is using technology; although some are more advanced than others. To me it is a challenge when new technology is presented to us as students and as users of the technology. It can be overwhelming sometimes and a little frustrating because it takes time and effort to learn and grow comfortable to use new technology when you’re already use to the old way. But this class has really opened my view to how much technology can change and enhance teaching.

        Although it is always a positive thing to learn new and faster ways to do something, new technology also brings up issues. I have been in classrooms where it is a new class, a new teacher and new technology where the teacher is semi familiar but not comfortable to use the technology smoothly on the first day of class. As said in the class textbook, administrative support is a key piece of the puzzle to bring success for the teacher and student – which should be mandatory and planned well ahead of time.

        We live in a fast-paced and changing world where as teachers, part of the package is constantly learning about and applying new technologies in and out of the classroom; part of that is involving students in the changes. Becoming a technology-leading teacher means being the example and being familiar with what’s new and upcoming. Involving students doesn’t mean having them master it, simply introducing new technologies to them like how this class has done makes a huge difference in opening up their curiosity.

        In conclusion, integrating technology, as a teacher, means being at the forefront and being the leader in what’s technology-based for your classroom. Change is inevitable and part of mastering change is embracing learning, and as a teacher that is exactly our job.  

RESOURCES:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.