Technology Literacy

I read an article that focused on how we evaluate an educational technology’s effectiveness in schools. It gives a framework that can be followed to critique a school’s practices. Federal legislation in the United States currently mandates that technology be integrated into school curricula because of the popular belief that learning is enhanced through the use of technology. (Davies, 2011)

The proposed framework for understanding technological literacy involves three levels: (1) awareness, (2) praxis (i.e., training), and (3) phronesis (i.e., practical competence and practical wisdom). These levels are most accurately represented as a continuum that involves a cycle of continual reeducation. Just as higher levels of cognitive development require some level of proficiency at lower levels, the highest levels of technological literacy require students to move through the lower levels. (Davies, 2011) After reading this part, I then continued to read and it made me think. He states that so often we consider a student’s technology literacy based on technology adoption. Just because you adopt a certain technology does not necessarily mean there is a true understanding of technology literacy.

What is technology literacy? Some examples are stated in the journal. Hansen (2003) has defined technology literacy as “an individual’s abilities to adopt, adapt, invent, and evaluate technology to positively affect his or her life, community, and environment” (p. 117). Eisenberg & Johnson (2002) suggested that a technologically literate person can “use technology as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem solving” (p. 1). (Davies, 2011) This makes sense and a child or student needs to have technology that they can manipulate and relate to what they are learning. Without that higher order thinking, the technology is not an advantage.

This article also states that there is a large assumption that because our students may have been exposed to technology more than their parents, that they are therefore better equipped to handle the technology and have a true understanding of it. That is not necessarily true. He also discusses “Technology native and technology immigrants.” Technology natives may still need explicit instruction in order to perform at the highest levels. Technology immigrants will need more training.

Davies, R. S. (2011). Understanding technology literacy: A framework for evaluating educational technology integration.TechTrends, 55(5), 45-52. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11528-011-0527-3

Common Core's Effects on Technology

I read an interesting article on how common core standards will affect the future of ed-tech spending. The first portion of the article addressed how the lowering costs of technology will continue to make it more accessible to the classroom. As technology becomes more affordable and powerful, as well as less threatening to K-12 educators, market players, and observers predict the next wave of ed-tech investments will center on digitally delivered personalized instruction and professional development targeted at the common-core standards and assessments. (Education Week, 2014)

Some districts it said are already investing much money into technology to create a blended learning model. They also discussed how some districts have shifted their thinking to create a program where it relates to common core.

The final part of the article was most interesting to me. They said as of 2012-2013 school year only 23 percent of districts nationwide had implemented a 1-1 environment. Many districts desire a 1-1 initiative but are “nowhere close to it now.” I’m curious to see how that number has changed and what types of gains they have noticed in their classrooms.

Common core raises questions on future of ed-tech spending. (2014). Education Week, 33(35), 12-12, 13. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1539270231?accountid=26354

Technology in Elementary Classrooms-What's the Impact?

Impact of Techhnology in Elementary Classrooms

This article begins by identifying the many modes that students learn. We as educators are well aware of the different types of learners in our classroom-the question is-do we always teach to those multiple modes of learning? This article highlights the advantages of using "21st Century Technology" on students today. According to this article 72% of the best selling apps on itunes are designed for preschool and elementary school students (Bhaskar, 2013)

The article then goes on to discuss online tools that can benefit children at home. Different apps and tools can actually help children receive documents at home, have assistance with homework, communicate with parents etc. instead of the traditional way of just sending sheets of paper with students.

The one downside and opponents of excessive technology in the classroom states that students may not be as physical in the classroom and life if they are using technology. This can be debunked by downloading apps that encourage kinesthetic movement. The article continues to reiterate that technology isn't replacing instruction-it's enhancing it!

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/trends/658-impact-of-technology-in-elementary-classrooms

This article I found interesting because technology and personal devices truly are the wave of the future for now. Students are now coming to us having spent much time on ipads and other personal devices and we as educators have a responsibility to continue this valuable way of learning in our classroom. I think it's something that will continue to take convincing, training, and help to acheive.

Wearable Technology??

Author, Wolfe. A., (2015, June 30) What Wearable Tech Could Mean for the Classroom Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/wearable-tech-mean-classroom/

This article begins by defining wearable technology. It references people who might classify frivolous things such as apple watches, google glasses, etc. as wearable tech. While this is correct, the term actually encompasses a much broader range of gadgets.

The first portion of this article focuses on Immersive Learning. This was interesting to me because it discusses how tools such as power point may be replaced by devices that can more interactively involve students in learning. For example, learning about the battle of Gettysburg, students could wear an immersive 3D device to have a complete view of the scene.

Another form of wearable tech is probably most common right now. touchable technology. This includes ipads, personal devices, and kindles. This point in the article took it a step further defining the types of touch that could effect a student. For example, if a child was making errors or getting off task, a simple nudge could remind them to remain on task. Using vibrations and simple tactical elements, it can engage students in a deeper more meaningful way.

E-Textiles are becoming a big wave of the future. I could see this element be intertwined into a FACS class in middle school or high school. An example of this could be students actually sewing conductive thread to create interactive tshirts etc.

Healthy Living applications are things that seem to be becoming more mainstream than other elements of technology. Fitbits and other wearable technology can help students identify their physical progress.

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The ideas I read in this article all seem practical as well as cost effective. In my particular classroom I could see all forms with the exception of E-Textiles. My favorite part was probably the part where there are vibrations and sensations being embedded into personal devices to quietly and constructively redirect students. This could mean big things for differentiation and for students who need reminders to stay focused. Touch is one of the first senses our body becomes in tune with. I would assume that with more brain research it could be discovered that this would be incredibly beneficial for students and their learning.

I would love to also see a school where students have fitbits or other wearable technology to track their physical progress. I am a huge proponent of students staying healthy by working out, moving in the classroom and school, and staying healthy. There are so many studies and relations of this to having success in school. The article referenced a cost effective alternative for students that I would love to see students be able to obtain.

Author, Cleaver, Samantha (2014, Sep 15). Technology in the Classroom: Helpful or Harmful? Retrieved from http://http://www.education.com/magazine/article/effective-technology-teaching-child/

SUMMARY
This article begins by discussing the world of technology at the hands of children. Children come home and immediately gravitate to Facebook, tablets, television, video games, and computers. This type of hands on activities should be accelerating their learning at school but it is difficult.

The first issue Cleaver discusses is the fact that many teachers are unable to find the time to effectively incorporate technology into the classroom. The lack of time and professional development makes it difficult for them to create quality lessons where students are actively engaged in their learning.

The next portion discusses the benefits of the technology. Students can have more individualized practice at their grade level and thought process. These highly engaging activities can free up time to spend time problem solving with other students and grouping students for effective instruction. The author also points out the help of technology for appropriately and quickly tracking progress and effective instruction. Teachers are able to use technology as an assessment tool.

The author then concludes the article with three tips to maximize effectiveness of technology instruction. First, make sure the activities are integrated into a bigger picture. Practicing in isolation isn't nearly as effective. Second, don't assume technology is being integrated appropriately or at all in today's classrooms. Last, the gadget has to effectively engage the child in higher level thinking skills, basic skills, etc. The teacher needs to know and understand which skills they want the child to accomplish.


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LINK TO ARTICLE

I found this article very interesting as I too have struggled with determining how best to use my limited technology. I have different kindle fire tablets that I give to students but need to be more specific in the targeted skills I want them to engage in. I also feel that it was interesting how they discussed how many teachers lack the professional development to appropriately use technology. There are constant changes and difficulties teachers face daily. There is never enough time to truly engage students if you don't have the time to plan lessons according to students needs.
I do think there are many benefits to technology in the classroom but as this article states:the teachers need the time and development to use them in the best way for students. If we are using technology just to say we are using it, we aren't really pushing students forward.

About Me

Hi all!

I am Kristina Donash and I am a kindergarten teacher at Nancy Hill Elementary School in West Aurora School District 129. I am interested in finding new outlets for students to use as well as integrate technology into a low income classroom. I would love to find ways to involve low income communities and teach them about different forms of technology.