Click on the link for my Prezi presentation on integrating technology into the classroom.

Integrating Technology Prezi

Web 2.0 and Mobile Learning

The ideas of Web 2.0 and Mobile Learning have a greater place in education today than traditional internet resources. Web 2.0 can best be defined as a platform for information sharing and has a user-centered design. This means that users can create and manipulate the content in front of them. A traditional web page is used only for browsing, but Web 2.0 allows the user to enter the information and develop their own resources so that it may benefit them. Also, mobile learning can be defined as any learning that takes place when a learned is not fixed in a permanent location or learning opportunities present themselves through the use of mobile technologies such as laptop computers, smartphones, tablets etc...

With this being said Web 2.0 and mobile technologies have made learning more timely and efficient. A greater deal of informal learning has occurred due to these innovations in education. Also, as more cloud based applications have come about the ability for students and teachers to share information has increased. A student may now work on a project at home that was once limited to the school computer lab. Another positive factor is that they have helped close the technological divide. In current times in order to be viewed as educated you need to be technologically literate. Web 2.0 and mobile learning opportunities provide this education to our students. Web 2.0 also helps promote creativity from our students. They are now able to formulate their own ideas and put them to life in a way that was previously impossible. The linear approach to writing can now be put to life through Web 2.0 applications. All in all, Web 2.0 and mobile technologies have helped us promote independence, creativity, and problem solving skills in our students. Along with that they are becoming technologically literate in a technology driven society.

However, the integration of Web 2.0 and mobile technologies may be challenging in the beginning. The first concern is having teachers who themselves may not be technologically literate. Teachers who are not properly trained or comfortable may meet this will resistance. Also, cost is always a factor in school districts. While many of these tools are free for Web 2.0, mobile technologies require a hefty investment from the district that they may be hesitant to pursue. The final integration issue has to deal with the current teaching methods that are being used. Many view the use of technology as a detriment to the traditional methods of teaching.

In my opinion mobile technology and apps in education will continue to grow. In the past 5 years I have seen every area school become 1:1 in at least the high school and the majority are also 1:1 in the elementary as well. I feel that this trend will continue with the implementation of more products such as Ipads or other tablet devices in our schools. However, in order to be successful teachers must first be properly trained in the integration of technology. If this happens technology could rapidly transform education as we know it. A new generation of teachers are entering the profession and as they enter they are better prepared to integrate technology. I have found that most teachers will accept and use technology if they feel comfortable with it. That is why I feel school districts should provide ample workshop opportunities for their teachers. Also, the entire staff should attend a technology conference on a yearly basis to learn how to better implement the technology in their classroom.

There are several key reasons for integrating technology into teaching and learning. One key reason is that computers allow for communication to go beyond the classroom walls. Technology such as Twitter, Facebook, Facetime, and a variety of other avenues allow for students and teachers to not only share ideas with each other, but also with other students and teachers around the world. Also, computer provide for different learning opportunities that students may not have had in the past. Learning can now become more interactive and information is now at their fingertips. More real-world problem solving situations are also available for students, and skill-building practice in subject areas such as math are also readily available to students. Next, technology is all around us and is not going away. In fact I feel that technology will continue to grow and that is why it is important for students to understand our current technologies so that they will be better able to adapt to technological changes along the way. Finally, I feel that technology is most importantly a key motivator for our students today. In a society that is built upon efficiency people want to see immediate results. I feel that our students are no different in this area. In fact technology helps our students see immediate growth. They may now plug in information into a computer and see results as quick as they can click a mouse. This also makes teaching more efficient so we are now more able to accommodate for individual student needs at a quicker rate. The text did a great job of listing these reasons, and I have seen proof of this in my own classroom. I will continue to be an advocate for technology due to the reasons mentioned prior.