As I reflect back on the first Tech. in Ed. class, I realize there is a lot more to using technology in the classroom than I thought. The key is to do it effectively. Many teachers will do things such as web scavenger hunts but they will not allow for the student to use higher level thinking. The answers will simply be one word answers found in the text provided by the teacher. Hence the student is not required to use his or her brain to the fullest; they simply just skim the article and find the one word answer. I have learned to use higher order thinking as well as the National Educational Technology Standards. I have looked at two other blogs related to technology in the classroom. In the blog “What Does a 21st Century School Look Like?” I learned that many teachers are reluctant to using technology in the classroom and many are trying to make it a requirement so the teachers will be forced to use it. I am excited to get into the classroom so that I can effectively incorporate technology into my classes. In the blog “Beth’Thoughts on Technology in the Classroom,” I learned that it is indeed important to have technology because it helps us to improve many of our skills that are necessary in the 21st century. Skills such as communicating in a variety of media, responsible publishing, searching for vast information and criticaly thinking. I think it is important for students to have these skills because it will help them to learn and remember which is what Higher OrderThinking says we need.
