Introduction
Education should be viewed as a means to develop a person’s whole potential and to make them a better human being, and contributors to society. Those who are characterized as thinkers, make change. Knowledge is empowering. It allows us to develop our skills, our confidence, our abilities, and our community and helps us in lifelong growth, in all areas of our lives.
Technology in the classroom has a place. That place can have benefits or disadvantages depending on how it is used. The activities and technology need to be engaging and create an interactive environment. I believe that by making the learning interactive and bringing out the individuality of the students we can help each other to become more successful and reach our goals. Technology is a way to bring the learning to a higher level. We can provide “greater emphasis on skills, particularly knowledge management, and less on memorising content” (Bates, 2019).
Now, if that technology is now used properly, we will see the disadvantages. Students lack of interest, students using their computers and phones to surf the web or in ways not relevant to the class. A lack of interest creates an unlearning and unproductive environment.
When developing a Community of Practice in education I believe it is important to have a individual and common goals. As an educator my goal is to learn about the students and how they can contribute to the discussions. This will also help in reaching my second goal in assisting in developing critical thinking. To reach these goals technology can play a huge part. Utilizing creativity and technology can enhance the learning experience can deepen the students experience and understanding.
Bates, T. (2019). Teaching in a Digital Age -Chapter 4: Methods of teaching with an online focus. (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/part/chapter-6-models-for-designing-teaching-and-learning/
Hello Sue-Ellen,
I also believe knowledge is a very important tool for personal as well as societal growth. It is the duty of a teacher to have an engrossed teaching-learning environment to avoid all kinds of negatives you have mentioned above. It is also important to channel the students’ enthusiasm towards knowing new in the right direction to achieve the educational goals.
Thanking you,
Rajman K
Hi Sue-Ellen,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I agree with your viewpoint that there should be the right usage of technology in the classroom. If it is used in the right way, it can provide the interactive classrooms in which a teacher can develop all the skills required for the students to become happy and successful citizens. And if in the wrong way, i.e., playing games and surfing the web during the classes creates an unproductive environment.
Regards:
Jaspreet Kaur