There
have been many changes in our world due to technology. Some of these changes include cell phones,
hand-held computers, the internet, massive production lines, assistive devices,
and simulation. These changes have
allowed us to do things both inside and outside of the classroom that we would
have never been able to do. Consider a
21st century classroom.
Computers, the internet, and apps have not only enhance learning, they
also provide opportunities to connect around the world (Boss, 2011). All of these advances in technology have not
just appeared one day. Technology has
been advancing for many years right under our noses.
There have been
many key developments that influenced technology in education since the
beginning of time. For example, in the
1700’s classrooms were lucky to feature a blackboard and chalkboard slates
(SMARTEduEMEA, 2011). By the 1800’s,
classrooms were already featuring books.
The 1900’s was the time of the audio development such as radios. Students could now listen to live broadcasts
in school. Other key developments in
technology included the film projector in 1930, the overhead projector in 1940,
television in the 1960’s, and computers in 1990’s. All of these were key developments because
they built upon each other. Each one
needed the information from the previous to advance. Today’s classrooms feature such things as
SMART response LE, personal laptops, and document cameras. Technological possibilities for future
students are endless.
I have
used a very decent amount of technology in my experience in classrooms. For starters, I have worked with students on
computers, laptops, iPads, and iPods. I
have had the opportunity to learn new programs, apps, and troubleshoot with all
of these devices. In addition, I have
learned how to use Apple T.V. with some of these devices as well as how to
find, download, and use the many resources within them. Second, I have used and watched someone else
frequently use and interactive whiteboard.
I absolutely love this device. It
connects right up to a computer and allows the teacher to display anything on
the wall they want to. In addition, the
teacher and students are able to use the board as if it were a computer itself,
allowing many opportunities for teaching, learning, creating, and
exploring. Third, I have used many
different overhead devices starting with the basic overhead projector. The latest one I have used is a document camera
that allows you to project any object onto a wall or screen. Although I have not used every new technology
that exists, I do feel comfortable and able to handle most technological
devices and troubleshooting.
Using
technology both inside and outside of the classroom has definitely increased my
learning altogether. Every basis of
knowledge on one device adds to your understanding of the next. Take technology in the workplace, for
example. As a server, I have used many
different POS systems. Although each one
is different, you can use what you know about one to learn another. When the new system was put in the place I
work now, I was the only one who had prior experience working with a POS
system. Although I had never seen the
program like anyone else in the restaurant, I was the one who ended up training
all of the other employees. Even now, I
am the one everyone goes to when there is a problem with the system. I take these troubleshooting techniques with
me whenever I am using a new device. I explore
new technology rather than shying away.
I am not afraid to push buttons and discover new ways to do things. This motivation has not made me a genius in
technology, but is has definitely made me someone who is always increasing
their knowledge.
References:
Boss, S. (2011). Technology
integration: A short history. Eudotopia. Retrieved from
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-history
SMARTEduEMEA.
(2011, October 3). History of educational technology [video file]. Retrieved
from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFwWWsz_X9s
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