Technology integration can be an incredible asset to the classroom but like everything else it needs to be used "properly." Simply using technology does not increase the interactivity, enhance the learning experience or allow students to learn and use 21st century skills. If teachers are using their Smartboards as glorified blackboards neither teacher nor students are benefiting from the technology. When deciding to whether or not to include technology the teacher must decided whether or not technology would enhance the lesson and what technology would best suit the task. "Whereas the selective, thoughtful use of technology can deepen students' understanding and increase their engagement , the use of technology for technology's sake can distract students from your instructional objectives" (Technology, n.d.). Another aspect a teacher must take into account is the classroom technology configuration. "The following are possible technology configurations that might exist in schools today: the teacher has one computer and possibly a projector; there are a bank of computers for students in each class; or iPad carts, BYOD (bring your own device), separate computer labs, and computers on wheels (COW) - a cart of computers for student use that can be rolled from classroom to classroom - are utilized" (SNHU, 2015). There are challenges to most configurations a teacher could face in the classroom but even with only 1 computer available there are ways to incorporate Bloom's taxonomy and integrating technology into classroom learning which will enhance lessons and teach students 21st century learning skills. With only 1 computer teachers can use it in the following ways:
- Presentation tool
- Game show host
- Competition tool
- Learning center
- Computer as a peak activity
- Jigsaw Puzzle
- Students-Teacher
- Post Master
- Scavenger Hunt
- Tutor (Byrne, 2012)
Although one computer could seem to be restrictive there are creative ways teachers can incorporate technology into leaning. With each configuration there are ways for teachers to incorporate technology into their lesson that will enhance learning and embrace Bloom's taxonomy. Bloom's Taxonomy was created to promote higher order thinking skills starting at a base level of knowledge and progressing to comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and finally evaluation. In 2001, Bloom's taxonomy was revised, it "replaces nouns with verbs and places emphasis on the process of creating by putting it on the top of the thinking continuum" (Everything, 2015). Then Andrew Churches combined technology and the revised Bloom's Taxonomy resulting in "digital Blooms Taxonomy" (Everything, 2015).
It is critical as teachers that we move from teaching base memorization and knowledge and facilitate students 21st century skills by moving towards higher order thinking skills. "The 21st Century teacher scaffolds the learning of students, building on a basis of knowledge recall and comprehension to use an apply skills' to analyze and evaluate process, outcomes and consequences, and to make, create and innovate" (Churches, 2009).
Although I believe technology is crucial for our students today, there many challenges teachers, schools and districts face when working to implement technology into the classroom. One of these challenges is financial. When budgeting for our assignment, I realized just how expensive it would be to outfit schools with up-to-date technology that will endure constant student use. In my own homeschooling learning environment, I face these challenges as well. Our computer is out of date but coming up with the funding to replace or add to what we have is difficult. As a school or district this challenge is enormous. I, myself, am an Apple user but Macs are more expensive. There are more reliable and much easier to use but expensive. Chromebooks are cheaper but not as functional. There are programs and games out there that are not Mac compatible and there are apps and programs that only work on Apple devices. Another option not addressed in our assignment was iPads which are more costly than Chromebooks but not as costly as iMacs and provide the reliability and durability of Apple products and allow for creativity and innovation in many Apple specific apps. As a administrator or school board it would be a difficult decision to make with much research to make a determination.
Technology Integration. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6673
SNHU. (2015). Module six: Creating a learning environment. Retrieved from https://bb.snhu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_71136_1&content_id=_9585190_1
Byrne, R. (2012). Tech alternatives for the one computer classroom. Retrieved from http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/07/tech-alternatives-for-one-computer.html#.VJg4Ll4DA
Everything teachers need to know about Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2015/04/everything-teachers-need-to-know-about.html
Churches, A. (2009). Bloom's digital taxonomy. Retrieved from http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/file/view/bloom%27s%20Digital%20taxonomy%20v3.01.pdf/65720266/bloom%27s%20Digital%20taxonomy%20v3.01.pdf
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