Learning
"The best thing about being a teacher is that it matters.
The hardest thing about being a teacher is that it matters every day."–Todd Whitaker
I used to think...
Now I think...
Today’s learners can benefit from a greater variety of teaching methods and tools. From an early age, students are being introduced to classroom technology. The combination between the educator who facilitates the learning experiences and creates the environment, and the technology being incorporated into these multifaceted, student-centered TPACK richer experiences, make possible many opportunities for enhanced learning. Learners will be able to obtain and retain information using a variety of pedagogies and technologies. Student-centered, technology-rich, learning environments and educators who promote and facilitate the learning better prepares young learners for their futures in several ways. It affords teachers and their students more engaging, interactive, and safe learning environments. It increases occasions for collaboration between student, technology, and teacher. It also affords greater opportunities for including different types of thinking and learning experiences and pedagogies. Open-minded, eager learners will be able to collaborate with fellow classmates and explore and capitalize on technology.
Lastly, through this wealth of student-centered learning experiences, students become comfortable, safe, and free to engage in the learning processes, in which they learn not only the content that is being taught, but also, they learn “how to learn”, which is a major flaw with teacher-centered learning environments. When these experiences, environments, and technology resources are integrated they afford learners the opportunities and abilities to develop much needed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, social interactions, and soft skills, as well as adapting to inevitable change. These changes include but are not limited to the physical setup of the classroom from one class to the next, and whether, or not, technology is working. It is not about the teacher and how well they want to “show you” that they know their content. The focus must shift to placing a priority on making the learning environment and technology tools “student-centered.” Our goal can be that students will learn the content and learn how they “think and learn” the way that they do, which encourages future learning. The challenges inherent in using technology invite learners to develop a growth-mindset which will enhance their future learning.
ETEC-524
Learning