Lesson 1. A Review of Educational Technology

                Educational Technology is describe as a tool, a profession and an art in which all of its purpose is to carry out a quality education with the use different technologies. Before going through with lesson 1, try to watch a video from this link History Of Technology in Education to see how educational technology came into being. 

                In lesson 1, A Review of Educational Technology reveals the previous matters discussed on Educational Technology 1. The rise of technology gives way to pornography, financial fraud and even cyber bullying. Technology in fact shows danger to societies and to the country as a whole. On the positive side, especially on the application of technology is in the field of education, in which it helps a lot in the teaching-learning process.

                There are many news and experiences which we could see the dark and bright side of Technologies. In one news I heard, a student was being killed because of the opponent’s access to his Facebook. A man lost his money because of the lies he had seen in the internet. But in the field of Education, I have ample of experiences in which I can say technology is helpful. Compared to using manila papers as visual aids in classes, PowerPoint Presentation with lively photos and graphics can enhance the learning of the students. Besides, these could also motivate them to listen and comprehend the topic being discussed. Another experience I had was during our science class, we have found how human blood circulated in the body of a person. It is through a video presented to us by our instructor. There was a thorough explanation with the use of what we can see in the video. By that, we clearly understood how the blood works in the body. It was GREAT!

                Indeed, different social sites such as Facebook, twitter and instagram became an outlet for bullying and frauds. Yet, it could still be beneficial in terms of communication processes. Other sites can also be an access to pornography and false information. Yet, in the field of education and other job-related fields, technology surpasses all the negatives of it. In the teaching and learning process, PowerPoint Presentations, graphics and other media are essential. Information that are reliable in the internet can be of great use in the classroom. It actually connects the information or lessons in the classroom and the information being accessed in the internet which the teacher and student can possibly see its commonality, there, more learning will be revealed. It does not end there. Many things could still be of great usage if educational technology is readily applied in the classroom.

                As a future teacher, integrating educational technology in my class is profoundly advantageous. I have to use this wisely. If there is something in the lesson that a technology can clearly elaborate, better use it. There are lesson in which I, myself can explain and make my students understood. By that, in my simple way of doing like this, I’m teaching them not to really be too dependent on technology. Because too much of it may cause negative to our living. Though it is useful in many aspect, using it without any consideration will make someone’s life miserable. Therefore, we must use it WISELY.

 Lesson 2. An Overview: Educational Technology 2

                There is a new trend in teaching-learning process which is the integration of educational technology. For this reason, Educational Technology 1 has been introduced to future teachers so that they could cope with the trends of education. To suffice their knowledge and abilities in technology integration, the course Educational Technology 2 is offered as a continuation of Educational Technology 1.

                In this course, future teacher will go into deeper understanding of computer applications and would make them enhance their computer skills. The focus of this course is not only to mold computer-skilled individuals, but also to enhance teaching abilities through technology integration. The course does not only beneficial to teachers but also to administrators and school faculties to improve school management, instruction and curriculum.

                In many institution such as banks, we could really see how technology works for the smooth flow and management of the business. One example is the Land Bank. I went there two times just this month. There was this machine in which in extract a sheet of paper with number. It was actually your priory number. And above the teller, I could see a big screen where priority number flashes. By this, the person who own the number that the screen flashes will be the one who is to be entertained by the teller. In this way, there is a smooth flow inside the bank even there are many people. The computers and other technologies used by the teller will make them processed the request as fast as they could.

                SEE? That’s how technology works in many ways. In an educational institution, this could possibly happen. The organization of files perhaps will be executed. School documents will be secured. Integration of technology would offer smooth flow in the payment of school fees.  In a teacher-learner relationship, a teacher can monitor his students through educational apps and social sites. It would also provide excitement to students seeing how their works were corrected uniquely by their teachers through computer applications designed for educational purposes.

                Technology is within our reach. As much as possible, let this be used for a successful teaching and learning process. Since our students are already inclined and up-to-date with these things, let it be a tool in their learning and not a way that would tear them apart. 

 Lesson 3. Understanding Technology Learners

                It is considered that the present age is called the Digital Generation. It cannot be denied that learners nowadays are acquainted with digital technologies. In fact, they are effective users of these than adults. Thus, teachers have to consider this factor in the attitude of learners in the teaching-learning process.

                Lesson 3 opens the eyes of future teachers to be equip with knowledge in technologies so that they themselves can relate to the digital-learners. It also tackles the advantages of being expose to digital resources. Accordingly, using digital resources can strengthen human brains and can create neural circuits, thus, creates an intellectual people, faster and better than before. Somehow, it is evident.

                I have a 4-year old nephew who is very observant and curious. His hobby is playing games in any sites, surf on net and watch movies. Perhaps, his hobby has contributed to his attitude of being so observant and participative.  Compared to his cousin who lives in a far-flung area, who played with his friends and do not have television in their house, he is very silent and unable to answer when you ask him.

                From the comparisons I have made above, I realize that there are still learners who are not expose to technologies. That is why, teachers have to take considerations in anything he gives to his learners. Strategies must also varied. In one lesson, he can somehow use educational technologies and in the other day, he can use activities in which all can participate. But if a class is highly technology-oriented, traditional approaches in teaching might not that appealing to the learners because their environment nowadays is far different than learners before. They are expose to computers, Ipods, rock music and social sites.  We, teachers must understand their ways of learning and must suit ourselves in their interest and likes.

                Hence, let us also be the modern teacher who is flexible in whatever clients we have. Indeed, teachers still have to be sensitive to student’s intelligence so that fairness would be implemented.

Lesson 4. Bridging the Generation Gap

 

                Women before are to stay in the house and do the house chores. They were to clean the house, wash the dishes and care for the kids. Now, women prefer to work and save money for the family. In terms of educational system, secondary level has 4 years of learning. Now, students have to spend 6 years to finish secondary schooling. As time pass by, changes occur in any aspect of human life. As CHANGE happens, GAP occurs.

                In this lesson, it encourages future educators to bridge the gap of the previous generation to the digital world ahead by learning how to make use of these educational technologies as they will soon face the digital professional challenges.

              

  My aunt who graduated at the year 1987 and she was very much expose to traditional teaching. For many years in her teaching career, she uses traditional approach. But as the trend of time today, she decided to take computer class every Saturday and learn more about computers. She graduated and even received certificate of completion. Now, she can relate to her students and able to integrate technologies in the teaching and learning process.

                My aunt’s action showed how she bridge the gap between her traditional teachings to the recent trends in the educational environment. Through her action, she is still competent in her teaching career and became a good teacher, ready to whatever the world wants. Even if we are a product of a traditional approach in teaching, there is no reason for us to stop learning and coping with the trends of time. We can learn and still be effective teacher of all ages.

                As a future teacher, let us not be afraid of many changes that comes along the way. It is part of our professional challenges and all we have to do is to be ready and equip. Do not let those challenges shaken us because no matter what happens, no one can replace a teacher. Just be prepared!

 

Lesson 5. Preferences of the Technology Generation

                The environment that we are in influences our preferences. If we are living in a religious family and we are expose to going to church, read the bible and pray, there is a tendency that we would prefer to listen Christian songs and read inspirational books. If we belong to a class who is competent and aggressive in studying, we might as well become studious and industrious in terms of learning. If a child is expose to books and many reading materials, he might be a book reader as he grows up. It is our surroundings that influence our preferences.    

                Lesson 5 shows differences of digital age learners to the traditional ones. In terms of illustrations and visual aids, traditional learners are into textbooks. Most digital learners prefer video clips than reading an entire novel. In terms of learning activities, traditional learners are into independent study while digital ones prefer to social learning activities wherein they can interact and exchange views with their group mates. On the way a teacher discusses, traditional learners hear a linear, logical and sequential way of teaching. Digital-learners tend to get boring if their teachers do that. Hence, they are into logical and reflective way of teaching. Teachers have to tap the critical thinking skills of the students. In terms of assessment, traditional learners would prefer paper-pencil evaluation while digital learners prefer hands-on evaluation where they can exercise the skill they have develop.

                In classes nowadays, we can truly see that teachers are now facing the digital age learners because different strategies are exercise by the teacher. They would let their students explore and be the best they can in any activity. In my classes when I got in college, most of my teachers make learners as the center of the teaching-learning process. Activities are done and we work in groups. We talk a lot and perform what we have learned.

In a digital age environment, learners nowadays have different preferences unlike to traditional learners. Indeed, teachers of today must adapt to the ways and preferences of the learners, or else, adversities and difficulties will a teacher encounters. Teachers nowadays are facilitators in the teaching-learning process. They are to assist the students and make straight their paths towards academic excellence.

As a teacher, let us be the person who will bring out the best of our students. They are unique and competent, intelligent and creative. We just have to be a TEACHER, who will guide them all throughout their learning process.