Reflective Statement
for ETAP-526
Technology Integration
Entering this semester I can say that I was conflicted when
it came to the use of computers. I used computers widely in my personal
life. I was comfortable using Microsoft Word, instant messaging programs,
searching the web, reading news and sports online, and even shopping
online. This comfort would reach a limit, however. If someone were
to ask me to submit to a blog or to design a web page you would have seen a
look of fear come over me. These were simply things that I did not think
I could do. They seemed far too technical and I felt that I did not have
the necessary expertise to accomplish these tasks. I was comfortable
using sites and applications that other people had designed, but I did not think
it possible to design and maintain any of my own. I now see that there
was no reason to be afraid. Everything I was afraid of looked
intimidating, but with proper guidance and a little time it was much easier
than I could have ever imagined. I never imagined I would be able to
create and maintain a blog. I never thought that I would be able to
design a web page as I am doing with this e-portfolio. Tasks that once
intimidated me are now going to become integral parts of my future classes.
Through the completion of the practica in this course I have been able to gain
the necessary skills to make this possible.
Throughout this course I have learned something very
important about technology integration, it isn't easy. This is a
sentiment that has been reiterated in the readings and course
discussions. The important thing to note, however, is that it is not
something that should be easy. It has been clear in the readings and
discussions that many educators view the use of technology, computers in particular,
as a sort of cure-all. Computers are viewed as the solution to all of the
problems in education. This is definitely an overestimation of what
computers can and should do. The use of computers cannot be a substitute
for teaching, but rather a complement to it. Teachers cannot rely on
computers to replace good teaching, but should use computers as a medium for
enhancing that teaching. In addition, the use of computers cannot and
should not be something that should be taken lightly. Computers are not a
tool that should be used on a whim. If they are, their potential is being
wasted. Teachers should take the time to thoroughly contemplate the
reason that computers are being used and should have a definititve goal for
their implementation. Furthermore, the use of computers should not be
something that is forced on a lesson, but should be something that naturally
fits the lesson. This all seems like a lot to digest, and it is, but that
is good. Computers and technology in general can be amazing tools for
learning, but too much faith cannot be placed on these resources and educators
must determine the most effective way to implement their use for the benefit of
the students.
Future Use of Technology in the Classroom
As an educator I can unequivocally say that I have grown in
leaps and bounds with respect to my future use of technology in the
classroom. Entering this course I would consider myself more traditional
in my views of teaching. I would have used computers and other technology
in my chemistry classes, but they would have been used sparingly. I
generally thought that the best way to cover all the necessary content was to
present it to the students myself via lectures. There did not seem to be
much room for computers in my classroom because I did not know how I could
implement them in a way that allowed for the presentation of all necessary
content. I now realize that computers can be an amazing tool to be used
in collaboration with my traditional teaching methods. The use of virtual
laboratories can allow students the opportunity to practice and develop skills
that are being utilized in class and lab. Drill and practice software can
be used in order to help students learn necessary facts (i.e. the symbols of
elements). Online resources can be used as more effective references than
traditional textbooks, where it can be difficult to find information. The
use of video simulations can allow students to experience reactions and
chemical phenomenon that may be too dangerous to perform in the
classroom. In general, I will definitely be modifying my thoughts about
teaching and will implement technology into my classroom to a much greater
extent. Thankfully I have not yet begun my teaching career, so I am not
yet set in my ways and can adapt my thinking and practices.
The major goal for implementing technology in the classroom
is to enhance student learning as much as possible. The problem is that
there is no one way to do this. From year to year teachers are presented
with different types of learners. Fortunately, technology (computers)
offers an opportunity to accommodate all types of learners. Giving a more
specific goal will be difficult at this time as I do not have the necessary
experience in the classroom. I can say, however, that technology will
play an integral role in that classroom.
Integration of Blogs
One piece of technology I can already see being utilized
extensively is the blog. They offer an excellent opportunity for students
to share thoughts and ideas with each other outside of class. For
instance, blogs can be set up and utilized for study groups. Students can
post thoughts or questions about what is being studied in class and receive
assistance or feedback from classmates. When working on group projects
blogs can be utilized as a medium for communicating outside of school. In
addition, they can offer an opportunity for students to share their work on
projects and obtain peer feedback. Interactions do not have to be limited
to peers, however. A blog can be set up in which students can communicate
with experts in industrial chemistry or at a university. This allows
students access to experts other than myself. Through the use of blogs I
hope to be able to expand the classroom beyond the traditional four
walls. Hopefully, student-student interactions and student-expert
interactions will be able to be greatly expanded and enhanced.
Webquest Implementation
For many students chemistry is an abstract subject.
The students don't understand how the topics they are studying relate to their
lives. Through the use of my webquest I hope
to be able to help the students make that connection. By participating in
a webquest dealing with an environmental chemistry topic the students will be
able to see how many of the topics we studied throughout the year relate to the
world around them. In particular I will have the students focus on a
study of water contamination, in particular the contamination of the Hudson
River. As part of the task the students will research from the point of
view of environmentalists wishing to clean the river and the companies
responsible for the pollution. Through this examination they will not
only gain an understanding of how central chemistry is to this area and will
gain some perspective on the area in which they live.
As this semester ends I definitely see a progression in my
views on the use of technology in the classroom. I have moved from being
a person that is extremely comfortable with technology in my personal life, but
hesitant about its place in the classroom to truly embracing the view that
technology can greatly enhance student learning. With that said, I still
agree with the general ideas of Todd Oppenheimer. Technology is good, but
it is no substitute for good teaching. Without good, sound teaching no
amount of technology can help our students.