And so it begins.. My technological journey - or has it? Taking a moment to ponder my past experience with technology leads me to believe that I have been using it, in some form or another, for quite some time. When I was younger technology came in the form of computer games, Nintendo, MSN, television shows and movies - all of which constitute as technological outlets used for pleasure and good ol' recreational fun. As I began to mature and grow older, technology did the same. Technology morphed from a simple and narrow term that meant "fun and games" into something that meant a whole lot more.
So when did this change? When did technology become something more than computer games and Mario Kart? Time and collaboration. Throughout these past few decades, wonderful and brilliant minds have shared their ideas and collaborated with one another to create something way more powerful than any Nintendo power up. These minds have made it possible for each and every one of us to connect to a database that houses an absurd abundance of information pertaining to every topic imaginable. From hilarious and unnecessary knock-knock jokes to breathtaking scientific formulas, the Internet has information on it all. This technological breakthrough has made it possible for technology to be used as more than just a recreational tool in the homes of small children, and viewed as more than a thoughtless pastime. Technology now means education and knowledge, and is viewed as something powerful and meaningful. As a future teacher and educator of young minds as well as an avid technological junkie myself, I couldn't help but wonder how we were suppose to harness this newfound technology to educate these hungry minds? Connectivism. Using technology to explore the thoughts and ideas of others will plant questions in our student's minds that can only be answered through social research and group collaboration. With a little bit of guidance, instruction, and love, we can properly equip our students to be critical thinkers while opening the doors to so much more than we ever imagined. Incredible!
It's also mind-blowing to know how often one interacts with technology on a daily basis - have you thought about it? Alarm clocks, cell phones, iPods, laptops, Netflix, televisions.. the list seems endless. The exponential advancement of technology is making it one of, if not the most used resource in day to day life. Coming to this realization makes it even more important to teach the young minds of today the proper and effective way to utilize this tool for their own personal success in the future.
Having said that, I'd like to re-visit the statement I made earlier in this post regarding my technological journey. My technological journey has been in progress for quite some time now, but my pedagogical technological journey has only just begun. Pedagogical journey? As the word pedagogy means the method of teaching, my "teaching technological journey" seems quite fitting. Not only am I a personal technological user, but I can now assume the title of technological educator - and that requires a little more attention. As children today are already quite familiar with the use of technology, it is important to foster that growth and interest so that they can develop a positive relationship with the resource, and become lifelong learners. It is also equally as important to educate students on the safe and proper use of technology to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others. When put into perspective, this seems like a daunting task - but information learned now will be time saved tomorrow.
All in all, technology is a wonderful thing - it acts as a pastime, an educational tool, and a promotor of worldwide collaboration and cohesion. With a tool this powerful it is up to educators such as myself to understand it's educational potential so that I can properly educate the young minds of my students. It is my hope that I can use this blog as a vessel to facilitate such understanding and be the best educator I can.
Cheers!
So when did this change? When did technology become something more than computer games and Mario Kart? Time and collaboration. Throughout these past few decades, wonderful and brilliant minds have shared their ideas and collaborated with one another to create something way more powerful than any Nintendo power up. These minds have made it possible for each and every one of us to connect to a database that houses an absurd abundance of information pertaining to every topic imaginable. From hilarious and unnecessary knock-knock jokes to breathtaking scientific formulas, the Internet has information on it all. This technological breakthrough has made it possible for technology to be used as more than just a recreational tool in the homes of small children, and viewed as more than a thoughtless pastime. Technology now means education and knowledge, and is viewed as something powerful and meaningful. As a future teacher and educator of young minds as well as an avid technological junkie myself, I couldn't help but wonder how we were suppose to harness this newfound technology to educate these hungry minds? Connectivism. Using technology to explore the thoughts and ideas of others will plant questions in our student's minds that can only be answered through social research and group collaboration. With a little bit of guidance, instruction, and love, we can properly equip our students to be critical thinkers while opening the doors to so much more than we ever imagined. Incredible!
It's also mind-blowing to know how often one interacts with technology on a daily basis - have you thought about it? Alarm clocks, cell phones, iPods, laptops, Netflix, televisions.. the list seems endless. The exponential advancement of technology is making it one of, if not the most used resource in day to day life. Coming to this realization makes it even more important to teach the young minds of today the proper and effective way to utilize this tool for their own personal success in the future.
Having said that, I'd like to re-visit the statement I made earlier in this post regarding my technological journey. My technological journey has been in progress for quite some time now, but my pedagogical technological journey has only just begun. Pedagogical journey? As the word pedagogy means the method of teaching, my "teaching technological journey" seems quite fitting. Not only am I a personal technological user, but I can now assume the title of technological educator - and that requires a little more attention. As children today are already quite familiar with the use of technology, it is important to foster that growth and interest so that they can develop a positive relationship with the resource, and become lifelong learners. It is also equally as important to educate students on the safe and proper use of technology to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others. When put into perspective, this seems like a daunting task - but information learned now will be time saved tomorrow.
All in all, technology is a wonderful thing - it acts as a pastime, an educational tool, and a promotor of worldwide collaboration and cohesion. With a tool this powerful it is up to educators such as myself to understand it's educational potential so that I can properly educate the young minds of my students. It is my hope that I can use this blog as a vessel to facilitate such understanding and be the best educator I can.
Cheers!