Looking at Technology

Reflection on Videos of 21st Century Teaching

Technology in the classroom, is it creating more harm than good?  Well, this depends on how technology is integrated.  We have heard that teaching in the 21st century "is technology" but this is not true.  Technology is merely a tool to assist educators in enhancing lessons.  It is not there to replace the educator. The use of technology can provide students with facts but the educator will provide students with the necessary skills to apply these facts.  In addition, not incorporating technology is placing our students at a disadvantage as it is a necessary tool in the real world.    

How effective technology is depends on the educator.  If technology is being used to pass the time well, then it's not serving its purpose.  There are many approaches to take when teaching but to provide some examples of how technology can enhance a lesson let's look at the 4C's model. Modeling the 4C's approach, here is my view on how technology can assist educators to enhance a lesson and nurture the necessary lifelong skills of students.

                                   

Communication:  Providing video clips about various topics, for example; the pandemic or social networking. After watching the video clip the educator can facilitate a class discussion encouraging students to express their views.

Critical Thinking: Provide students with a project. For example; climate change. Students will have to analyze and evaluate the problem using various mediums. Students can use technology to find other resources, share their findings and solutions.

Collaboration: With the assistance of technology, students can work with other classmates to find solutions collectively. This encourages communication and also gives students a hands-on approach to learning.

Creativity: Using various platforms or white boards to brainstorm. Students can create new ideas and share with classmates.  

Along the way, the educator must always encourage learning and ensure that students are engaged.  It is also essential to make sure all students have access to technology. The idea is to use technology as a tool to encourage student centered learning and build lifelong learners.

TIP! If you're uncomfortable with technology yourself, make it a learning experience with your students. Work on figuring it out together!

Source: Masciarelli, J (2022) Class 2:  Teaching Success. 

What are the 4C's. Common Sense Education | Digital Citizenship Curriculum & EdTech Reviews. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2022, from https://www.commonsense.org/education/ 

Pear Tree education. What is 21st Century Education. Retrieved January 30th 2022.

Am I A 21st Century Teacher. Retrieved January 30, 2022 from www.c21canada.org/

Talya - OTECC@NU