Reflection # 11: Technology brings a change of role

In an article I read entitled, "Effects of Technology on Classroom and Students," the author was suggesting the idea that when a teacher uses technology in the classroom, the roles of both the teacher and the student change. For instance, the learning is now in the hands of the students. If it is online communicating with peers, they take initiative in the communication, choose their own goals, and then execute their plans almost independently. If it is a group project, the same idea applies, in that they have to take initiative and work as a group to learn, understand, and then execute the technology project. This type of learing is very hands on, and puts a new spin on the learning process. In the same respect, incorporating technology into the classroom also changes the teacher's role. In years past, the teacher has mostly served as facilitator of information working to impart that information directly to the students via lecturing. But, with this age of technology, the teacher role changes to that of fostering an evironment where the students are required to take initiative on their own. The teacher is then there to initially explain the projects, and then be available (walking around from student to student) to help if any questions or problems arise.

So What: This change in roles has really worked to positively change the self-esteem of the students. In the article I mentioned earlier, a personal story was posted by a teacher. The story worked to describe a elementary student who was not excelling academically. However, he discovered the computer and a computer program in which he was able to make music. Once he figure this out, and created a beautiful song (staying in recesses to complete the song), he played it for the class and he was able to express his skills in a way not typical of elementary classrooms. When his peers and his teacher saw him in a different light, his confidnece was boosted and he was able to see himself differently as well.

Now What: This story really encourages me to get more familiar with technology. It ca be used as an empowering tool in many ways if it is used correctly. I think that it's awesome that it changes the role of the students to requiring them to take initiative and learn independently. In conclusion, this article really inspired me to learn new ways I can use technology in my classroom..