Information and communication technologies, or ICTs, are all broken down into three major parts. The first is the software on the device. Whether it be word processing programs or the card game Solitaire, computers are all equipped with software even before the user's initial log in. It's how we use these tools that can assist students with their learning. The second part is all that the miracle of the internet can bring to the device. Teachers are able to access, share, download, and much more via online capabilities, and many lessons may be utilized this way. The third is what other devices can be connected to enhance the experience further. Whether scanners, printers, or interactive white boards are connected, teachers can easily engage students with the many tools that can easily be connected with their computers. The more the teacher can do to keep the focus of students, the better! Students, for the most part, are children eager for some fun throughout their day. With tools like the Mimio pen, students may want to participate more than if they were just using Expo markers!
The second section that caught my interest is the section on the different types of technology users (sectioned titles as "Identifying Groups of Technology Users" in the book). It is probably very interesting to the generations that remember the onset of computers that there are so many ways to use these now essential to life machines. Within the many ways are the groups identified of the actual types of computer users based on what is actually being done. Digital collaborating is a huge part of the online world and can be used as informative or entertaining content (sometimes both!). The digital collaborator shares and receives information to use as they please, sometimes spending more time than others on social media or other interactive sites. This idea of having different types of computer users is so interesting in that it proves there will always be new ideas and room for a larger audience in anything. What was probably initially created to share information and to simplify calculations has become the most popular way today's generation communicates with one another - even when they are in the same room!
The third part of the text that I was most interested in was Figure 2.6 on page 34. This pie graph shows the percentages of moderate, frequent, infrequent, and sporadic usage of technology by teachers. It isn't so surprising that the teachers of today are divided up into these percentages (17%, 22%, 34%, and 26% respectively). I think the main source of difference here is the teacher's overall knowledge of technology. Older teachers, perhaps, might not know as much about a computer's capabilities as those who are fresh out of college. These teachers with little knowledge of today's technologies are far more likely to use the classroom tools provided to them than that of those more tech savvy. Some teachers, the 26% labeled 'sporadic users', are most likely using the everyday tools necessary in today's schools (outlook email, esembler, etc.). This repetition of usage increases the user's knowledge of the program, therefore not seeming as advanced for the teachers unfamiliar with other technologies.
To conclude, technology seems to have a lot of differences in usage and even users. The many types of programs and software can ultimately help anyone with anything if they know where to look and how to properly take advantage. The knowledge of computer users, while they do vary, can definitely grow as they become more exposed to it. The more you participate in something, even outside of technology, the better you will be at the process! But computer users need to stay aware that it goes both ways! Not keeping up with the newest updates or how-to's can decline a user's knowledge and will make it that much harder to catch up!
Love your BitStrips comic strip! :) Wouldn't those students have fun summarizing their learning in a comic strip? Many of the tools out there are easily adapted to class assignments and can be successfully used in helping students stay engaged.
ReplyDeleteYou have provided good summaries on the concepts you selected and keep increasing your own reflections. In looking at the use of technology you noted that many of those who are using tech likely have already been exposed or learned how to use technology in their past and thus it becomes more natural for them to use. I would agree, but I also ponder why professional development may not make the positive impact that it could/should?! Perhaps there is still an influencing 'mind-set'! Don't forget to provide your Resources at the end of your post (in this case, both the textbook and your own BitStrip comic creation are missing).