Digital+Age+Reflections

I also agree with the comment Todd made below “E-learning will only be a driver of change in the classroom if the technology used in the classroom can support its demands.” || ||
 * Comment on the following statement from the reading from your own observations when you have integrated eLearning in an aspect of your classroom programme of learning. ‘Research indicates that when technology is used appropriately, children learn more, even as measured by conventional test.’**
 * ICT is just one form of technology and method of teaching. It plays a minor part of the Foods programme. Students do respond well to seeing their work shared digitally when the opportunity has arisen. To integrate more ICT especially in opresenation in my room there would be the need for acess to computers for students in the classroom, at present this is not an option. I ||
 * We, as technology teachers, have known for years that students engage in practical lessons using a wide variety of tools. The students see positive outcomes quickly and respond to this favourably. It is important to have a balanced approach i.e. if I was unable to access this today, what could I do/use instead? Keeping up with current technological tools is a financial challenge for schools. ||
 * If students have access to information that paints a clearer picture for them, then that helps understanding and hopefully creates interest and a keenness to pursue a topic further. It can give them access to many new and creative ideas they can then modify. ||
 * From experience, children are more motivated to work when there is ICT involved. Lessons with an ICT aspect to it seem more fun and exciting to the students. Our students are using computers and other ICT tools away from school and will rely heavily on them when they enter the workforce, so it makes sense that we integrate ICT into our teaching as much as possible. ||
 * ICT in the classroom allows children better opportunities to visualize and become excited in regard to what they are learning about. It is also a very useful tool for children with learning disabilities e.g., dyslexia and dyspraxia as it can assist in developing their learning confidence and concept of self-belief. ||
 * Students are immediately engaged when they are provided with ICT learning opportunities. Any task seems more exciting, and I find that the effort they put into ICT tasks is reflected in the quality of work they produce. I have found that they apply problem solving skills much more readily, without actually realizing themselves that they are problem solving. The more ICT programmes we use, the more risks the students take with their learning, consequently becoming more independent and taking responsibility for their own learning. ||
 * I think as teachers we need to maintain aspects of ICT throughout our programmes to ensure our students are up to date and exposed to the technology and resources we know they are going to have to apply to their lives once they leave school. We cannot predict how or what they will need to apply but we must allow them the opportunities to use ICT and learn ICT as a tool and resource to aid their learning. For many of us teachers this will be as much a learning curve for us as it is for the students. But by learning more about ICT for us and the students it can only be beneficial to all involved. ICT is an amazing tool and it is also great for engaging learners into their work. I try to use ICT as much as I can in class and when I am not teaching them ICT, I am always learn with and from my students as well. I think that is key also that we learn from our kids as they have been born into the digital generation. ||
 * I think it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the fact; we are not teaching these students about ICT, we are trying to keep up with what our students already apply in their everyday lives. We have no idea what jobs our students will be doing when they are in the work force, but the one thing that is known, is that it will involve technology that we haven’t even imagined. So it’s essential that as educators we are incorporating the current technology and latest ICT pedagogy to ensure our students are engaged now and prepared for the future.
 * Technology in the classroom is essential to prepare students for the future. It provides them with a variety of information and ways of presenting it which is engaging and interesting for them. ||
 * The use of ICT technology in the classroom opens many exciting doors for students to present their work in a variety of different formats. The students in my class have enjoyed the opportunity of using comic life, powerpoint, photostory etc. Many of my students who dislike completing homework have often finished and handed in assignments when they learn they can present it as one of these options. ||
 * I have used technology a lot this year and it definitely makes access to information and resources more readily available for the students rather than having the limited resources available in the library. Students are far more excited about presenting their information as a photostory than a ‘boring report’. Those students who do not physically want to pick up a pencil to write will readily go to the computer to produce some work. ||
 * From what I have learnt this year, I can see how beneficial E-Learning is for children in the 21st century. It is relevant to things they are doing especially in their everyday lives. Most children also can’t get enough of it and this alone would definitely help them learn. ||
 * E-learning has been of great benefit to the students – real, relevant and engaging. To move with the times in teaching, one needs to integrate E-learning into the classroom. ||
 * Having classes, with and without my interactive whiteboard, I agree that children seem to maintain focus on what’s being taught to them with the element of e-learning. Like with most teaching tools though when used appropriately students learning will increase. E-learning will only be a driver of change in the classroom if the technology used in the classroom can support its demands. ||
 * Sure in some circumstances students could learn more than a written test and students do learn in a variety of ways. Elearning is essential for all students today. ||
 * I agree with Jared Kelly that “We have no idea what jobs our students will be doing when they are in the work force, but the one thing that is known, is that it will involve technology that we haven’t even imagined. So it’s essential that as educators we are incorporating the current technology and latest ICT pedagogy to ensure our students are engaged now and prepared for the future” I think you should go on and see this internet site http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/ken-robinson-on-schools-kill-creativity-snippets/135b0666452fcec90fcc135b0666452fcec90fcc-292038772081?q=ted%20talks%20education%20creativitly&FORM=VIRE5