Educational Technology Philosophy
As technology changes and grows, it's important to know your ideas and opinions. I have added different parts of educational technology that I've experienced and reasons it can be good.
David Warlick
“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.”
Reflections
Gaming & Gamification
While games in education have been around for a while, the advancement of technology changes the ways games can be used. Many people stream their games and share their experiences to become better gamers and learn from each other. This is a skill we can use in the classroom as a way to build a community of experts and grow our learning. I have learned through the course how video games can be more inclusive to groups who may have felt the traditional classroom model did not meet their needs. Educators can be wary of using video games and gamification in the classroom because they lack current knowledge of it, and it can be a big change from traditional learning. There are industries focused on creating educational games and games that can educate. Both have their place in the classroom and it is important for educators to get training to learn how to incorporate these concepts. Gaming and Gamification will only grow in the future and it is becoming a bigger part of our world. The class I took only touches on some of the ideas and shows that this should be a subject by itself because they are many topics that could be covered.
Equity in Educational Technology
Technology in education is a growing field, but there are significant challenges faced in schools. During this course, I had the chance to examine trends in education and the inequitable access to technology in lower-income or rural areas provides a challenge especially with the change in instruction models because of Covid-19. Many students have no access to computers or internet services, this can stop them from completing schoolwork at home or enhancing their learning in the classroom. These issues can also significantly impact people of color that will widen the learning gap that already exists. When designing instruction with technology, this is something that must be taken into account. There are some bills introduced to try and help create more access for students, but it will take time to see if it is successful. I think this is an issue that needs to be researched more and could be a class by itself because there are many topics to cover.
Favorite Apps
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Suggestions for Using Educational Technology
Find what works best for you!
Build Your PLN (Professional Learning Network)
Social media, such as Twitter, can be used as a great way to meet other people in your field and follow the new educational technology trends. By following different chats on Twitter, it can be a good way to collaborate with others and gain new insights.
