Technology Teaching Philosophy

Bill Gates said, Technology is just a tool. In terms of in terms of getting

the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most
important. Technology is just that, a tool; without meaningful implementation, it
becomes just another classroom accessory. However, it can change a teachers
classroom completely if the tool is used in the right way. There are many
benefits to effectively using technology in the classroom: it adds diversity to
lessons, raises student involvement, and introduces a fresh perspective to the
class (DeLoatch).
Often teaching can become mundane and technology is one way to add
variety to lessons. There are so many resources out there; the challenge is
making sure that it is being used in a meaningful way. Many districts across the
country find themselves with loads of technology, but the way they are using it is
insignificant. Its easy to use technology for drill and kill and is ok when used
sparingly, however, lessons using technology needed to be planned and
purposeful.
Students become involved in the lesson when using technology. They
want to be a part of the learning process. The learning process can be catered
to students and allows him or her to learn at their level. Technology is especially
motivating to those struggling students. It helps bridge the gap between those
students needing extra support and the high achievers (Hendricks). Reaching all
students is a huge benefit with using technology.

Students are so used to looking at their books and using paper and pencil
that utilizing technology in lessons helps give a new outlook to learning. Whether
creating a Google presentation on a social studies topic with a group of
classmates, or using Kahoot, https://getkahoot.com/, to review a language topic,
students see another side of education. When my students know that technology
is involved, their attitude about learning is very positive.
Being proficient at integrating technology into lessons takes time. It is not
easy and it doesnt always work the way it is supposed to, but that is what
teaching is all about. Trying new things and adapting to figure out how to give
your students what is best for their learning. Technology is a tool that if used
correctly can enhance a classroom tremendously.
I currently use technology in my classroom on a daily basis. Students use
Compass Learning during reading and math stations. This program is individual
for each student based on a benchmark test taken in the fall, winter, and spring.
Another way I use technology in my classroom is by incorporating Google. Each
student in our district is given a Google account. We use Google docs in many
subject areas and I love that I can comment on their work as well as edit it and
their peers can do the same. Google presentation allows for students to get a
little more creative, putting together a presentation for the class. This can be
done individually or in a group. It is not difficult to collaborate when using Google
presentation. QR codes are another way that I use technology in the classroom.
Students can receive immediate feedback on what they are working on and can
get help if needed. Task cards with QR codes can be used to check

understanding, or link them to a video to watch to practice sequencing. I also

use the QR codes as scavenger hunts; students once again get instant feedback
and individual instruction can occur as needed if problems or confusion occurs. I
have been using Kahoot in the classroom to access where my class is on a skill,
or to a review a topic. The kids are always engaged and never want to put the
iPods away when time is up. Although I use technology in my class daily, I still
am constantly looking for ways to include meaningful technology in my lessons.
There are many tools that I have already learned from this course to help
me meet the needs of my diverse learners. A few of these tools are talking text,
graphic organizers, and features of the word processor (Wahl & Duffield). I was
surprised to know that many software programs have a text to voice option. This
is a great tool for struggling readers and would allow them to read higher level
text if it is being read to them. Graphic organizers are tools that teachers use in
their classroom often, but use technology programs to enhance their graphic
organizers would highly motivate learners. Most of the computers already have
Kid Pix or Kidspiration, I look forward to trying this tool with some of my students.
Lastly, word processers can be used to reinforce spelling and grammar as allow
for comments or questions from the teacher.
Not only are tools and strategies important when addressing the needs of
diverse learners, but also, so is support. Often students from diverse
backgrounds do not have the support at home to be successful when using
technology for learning. As a teacher, its my job to guide my students in ways
that they can use technology at home to help them as well. If students are not

seeing technology used effectively at home, it is my job to help build that

foundation for them to be efficient in their technology usage.

References


DeLoatch, P. (2015, May 2). The Four Negative Sides of Technology. Retrieved
September 13, 2015, from http://www.edudemic.com/the-4-negative-side-
effects-of-technology/

Hendricks, D. (2013, March 14). A Look at Recent Findings on Technology in the
Classroom. Retrieved September 13, 2015, from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/drew-hendricks/technology-
education_b_2867458.html

Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using Flexible Technology to Meet the Needs of
Diverse Learners: What Teachers Can Do. Retrieved September 13, 2015,
from http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-05-01.pdf