The following link is my discussion of Elements of Educational Technology:
Link: Elements of Educational Technology
Reflection
Anytime I read literature relating to education, it always takes me longer than planned. I find myself continually pausing, and getting lost in reflective thought about my current practices within the classroom. I will share some of those thoughts in this reflection.
As a teacher in a high school classroom I am continually striving to create a learning environment where students are exploring, discovering, problem solving, and reaching solutions with only supportive guidance from the teacher. I have found that this is a lot harder than it sounds. Students don't like to struggle, they want answers, and they want to be led to the finish as quickly as possible. It is way easier to just give them answers than it is to let them struggle. But this is not what is best for students. The challenge of this type of learning is striking a balance between letting students struggle, but also setting them up for success. I work in a high school where there are a number of traditional, veteran teachers, who believe that content is king. This at times can create a culture of learning that is in conflict. You have teachers that "facilitate learning" and teachers that "control learning". I think that students should drive the content, not that the content should drive the students. I am fortunate that my content area of science lends itself to inquiry activities, and labs that do a great job of creating learning environments that support a facilitating style of learning. The article on the definition of educational technology didn't change my perception on learning, but did validate the benefits of educational technology for learning. The using and facilitating of educational technology through the selection of appropriate tools, and resources is a great way in which I can further create learning environments that support a learning style that is most beneficial for students. This course has been a great example that type of educational technology learning environment. I really look forward to learning even more new technology platforms, mediums, and resources on top of what I have already learned these first few weeks.
As a teacher in a high school classroom I am continually striving to create a learning environment where students are exploring, discovering, problem solving, and reaching solutions with only supportive guidance from the teacher. I have found that this is a lot harder than it sounds. Students don't like to struggle, they want answers, and they want to be led to the finish as quickly as possible. It is way easier to just give them answers than it is to let them struggle. But this is not what is best for students. The challenge of this type of learning is striking a balance between letting students struggle, but also setting them up for success. I work in a high school where there are a number of traditional, veteran teachers, who believe that content is king. This at times can create a culture of learning that is in conflict. You have teachers that "facilitate learning" and teachers that "control learning". I think that students should drive the content, not that the content should drive the students. I am fortunate that my content area of science lends itself to inquiry activities, and labs that do a great job of creating learning environments that support a facilitating style of learning. The article on the definition of educational technology didn't change my perception on learning, but did validate the benefits of educational technology for learning. The using and facilitating of educational technology through the selection of appropriate tools, and resources is a great way in which I can further create learning environments that support a learning style that is most beneficial for students. This course has been a great example that type of educational technology learning environment. I really look forward to learning even more new technology platforms, mediums, and resources on top of what I have already learned these first few weeks.
From the sounds of things, we come from very similar high schools. I've been having trouble with getting kids to struggle without giving up, and getting past teachers who think content is everything. I agree with the three elements that you chose. Your write of up learning was especially thought provoking. I liked the line about teachers guiding"...towards that deeper level of learning". All of this goes to show that we all have a ways to go towards this goal, but we'll get there eventually.
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