Journal 5 (extra credit)

Duncan, A. (2011). Harness the power of technology.Learning and Leading, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx


Duncan's article "Harness the power of technology" discusses how current teachers are teaching in the midst of a technological revolution. Just as we use technology for many other reasons, it can also be used in the classroom as an effective method for teaching. The article focuses on a few key points in regards to technology in education. One of these points is how technology engages students. It points out that by using technology to engage students educators can encourage students who may previously not be interested in reading may become interested if they are told to use the internet to search they may find a new way to become interested in the reading assignment. The advantages of technology in education are being recognized and the U.S. department of education has suggested that a program is established which will pursue and promote the use of technology in classrooms. the article does point out that we must not forget that students take advantage from both teacher instruction and technology, and one does not take place of the other. The article also discusses 5 goals to advance education technology. These five goals are Learning, Assessment, teaching, infrastructure and productivity.


1. Is it important to have an outline of five goals to meet?


I think that having an outline with five goals to meet is very helpful for both the teacher and the student. The teacher is assisted in knowing what areas to focus on and ways in which they can be most helpful in those areas and the students can know what expectation they are to meet. Along with this it prepares the teacher to make sure that they are fully prepared to incorporate the technology correctly. If there is a specific area in which they in which they have questions or feel they need preparation in, then they know what to work on, and therefore can better help their students.


2. What are some ways I see myself making sure that my students are receiving a balance of both teacher and technology based instruction?


I think that a balance of of technology and actual teacher instruction is absolutely crucial. I feel that by doing this, you are truly giving the students the best educational experience. One way in which I can see myself doing this is simply splitting up lessons so that while I teach them, technology is incorporated. For example whole teaching a history lesson I could give a lesson and lecture or discussion and incorporate something like augmented reality as I learned about in another article.