Teaching+with+Technology+week+1

The articles that I received the most from were //Connecting Student Learning and Technology// and //Constructivism in the Classroom//. Both articles talked about using Constructivism in teaching by integrating technology in the classroom. Constructivism believes that each learner brings their own prior knowledge and experiences into a learning experience. Since not all students learn the same way, bringing their own unique experiences and prior knowledge into the classroom increases their learning experience; combine this with the addition of technology in the classroom and the students can open their learning experiences. While their are still teachers who believe that adding technology into their classrooms means relinquishing control; those teachers who use the constructivism method understand that will they are not in complete control of the teaching experience does not mean they are not in control of the classroom. Sharing the control with the students, means sharing the learning and teaching experience. Students are able to have some control in the teaching which increases their learning. Since not all students learn the same way, having some control in their learning helps the students to feel confident in their abilities. As a technology teacher, I use this method on daily basis and find that while not all students will use the time on the computer wisely and to their advantage for the most part the students want to increase their learning experience in any way possible. They will spend their time wisely on the internet and not just surf the web. However, I do let the students spend a good deal of time surfing the web and even using u-tube. I have learned that the students enjoy u-tube and as a technology teacher I have learned how to use u-tube to the advantage of the class, as a teaching tool. This is what 'teaching with technology' is all about.

Christopher, D., Sprague, D., If I teach this way am I doing my job: //Constructivism in the Classroom//; Learning and Leading with Technology; 27(1),Retrieved March 3, 2012, from International Society for Technology in Education; http://www.imet.csus.edu/imet9/280/docs/dede_constructivism.pdf Southwest Educational Development Laboratory: Technology Assistance Program; (1999) Learning as a personal event: A Brief Introduction to Constructivism; retrieved on March 3, 2012, http://www.sedl.org.pubs/tech26/intro2c.html